Sugar pumpkin refers to a variety of winter squash cultivars recognised for their sweet flavour and firm, smooth, dense flesh, which makes them great for pumpkin pies and other baked goods such as cookies and breads. Sugar pumpkins can be roasted, baked, sautéed, and simmered, as well as eaten raw in some situations.
Sugar pumpkins, also known as sweet pumpkins, sugar pie pumpkins, or pie pumpkins, among other names, are made up of squash family (Cucurbitaceae) members Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita moschata. Sugar pumpkins are often smaller in size than ordinary field pumpkin, which is commonly used for carving. Sugar pumpkins often range in size from a softball to a cantaloupe. Their hue is typically a deep, rich orange, and they are generally spherical, though there are variations to both.
Another distinguishing feature of sugar pumpkins is their dry, fine-grained flesh. You've probably observed that the flesh that you scoop out of a typical field pumpkin is quite stringy and watery. Because of these characteristics, it is unsuitable for baking. If you've ever baked with one of these pumpkins, you've probably noticed that the flavour was bland and slightly harsh. So, in addition to their sweetness, sugar pumpkins' flesh is less fibrous, which makes them ideal for baking and eating in general. In addition, all sugar pumpkins, regardless of species, are classified as winter squash, which implies they have tougher skins and are harvested later in the growing season than summer squash. But they all have one thing in common: delicious, edible flesh that is ideal for cooking and baking.
Health Benefits
Sugar pumpkin is high in vitamin A, as evidenced by its brilliant orange hue. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Consuming sugar pumpkin may benefit eye, cardiovascular, and digestive health. Furthermore, it may aid in the prevention of certain types of cancer.
How To Use Sugar Pumpkins?
• Coat sugar pumpkin chunks with olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and roast until tender.
• Toss roasted sugar pumpkin chunks into a salad of frisée, endive, and radicchio; serve with a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Simmer cubed sugar pumpkin, sautéed onions, chopped sage, salt, and pepper in vegetable stock until the pumpkin is soft. Puree, adding extra stock as necessary.
• Combine roasted sugar pumpkin pieces, sautéed leeks, goat cheese, and chopped toasted hazelnuts in a buttered baking dish. Drizzle with cream and bake until the gratin is heated through.
• Season with rosemary and stir roasted sugar pumpkin chunks into wild rice near the end of cooking.
