Description of pumpkin (hard-bark, pepo): composition and properties, characteristics, nuances of cultivation and use
The plant in question has been known for thousands of years. It grows almost everywhere. For its healing properties it is called the orange or yellow doctor. The range of its action is so wide that you can safely write a book about it, and more than one. So, what are we talking about?
What is “Pepo” and what is it eaten with?
In Latin this plant is called Cucúrbita pépo, but we are more accustomed to call it differently - ordinary pumpkin, or hard-barked pumpkin. It is also called pepo pumpkin. This annual herbaceous plant of the pumpkin family belongs to the melons.
Such a different pepo
There are several varieties of pumpkin: directly the pumpkin itself, zucchini and squash. They are also hard-core. Only they are used for food not after the rind has completely ripened and hardened, but when they are young, when the skin is still tender and soft, and the fruits are small in size.
Directly herself pumpkin is divided into three more subgroups:
- table varieties (people use them for food);
- fodder varieties (usually have a large fruit size, suitable for animal feed);
- decorative varieties (medium-sized fruits of interesting color and shape; these types are planted near walls and hedges, used for crafts and ikebana).
Particularly popular are the hard-bark varieties Golosemyanka and Danaya. (both varieties do not have a hard shell or skin on the seeds), Freckle, Dachnaya, Bush Orange, Acorn.All these varieties are table varieties. They have excellent taste characteristics and a lot of useful properties.
By the way! There is no clear gradation between food and feed varieties. The only difference is in size and taste.
From a botanical point of view (description and photo of the plant)
The root system of hard-bark pumpkin is taproot with branches. The length of the stem is from 5 to 8 meters, it does not grow upward, but spreads, and takes root weakly at the nodes. The stems themselves have five sides, are covered with grooves, and covered with small spines, just like pumpkin leaves. Representatives of hard-bark plants, such as squash and zucchini, have a much shorter stem, and the leaves are arranged in a bush.
The leaves have long petioles and spiral tendrils are located in the axils.. The leaves are divided into five sections. Pumpkin flowers are single, 5 to 7 cm long, divided into two sexes, orange or yellow. The plant blooms in June-July. Flowers are most often pollinated by bees.
The fruits of the common pumpkin are in the shape of an oval or ball., the shell is hard, its color varies depending on the plant variety. The size of pumpkins also depends on the variety. Forage varieties sometimes grow to impressive sizes. The fruit usually reaches maturity from August to September and contains a large number of seeds - sunflower seeds. The seeds of the plant are drop-shaped, but flat, not convex. Covered with a hard shell.
It will be interesting:
How to select and prepare pumpkin seeds for planting
The best varieties of bush pumpkin and features of their cultivation
The benefits of hard bark and its composition
Pumpkin, like its other “sisters,” is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, beneficial for the body. This vegetable is perfect for dietary nutrition and helps in the treatment of many diseases.
Important components
Common pumpkin contains::
- vitamins E, C, H, K, PP, A, beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamins included in group B;
- trace elements significant for the body: fluorine, zinc, vanadium, boron, aluminum, iodine, iron, cobalt, chromium, selenium, manganese, rubidium;
- carbohydrates are represented by starch and dextriome, fructose, sucrose and glucose, disaccharides, monosaccharides;
- important polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3.
Wonderful properties - very useful
A berry-vegetable, because pumpkin can safely be classified as this category, has beneficial effects on almost the entire human body:
Improves the functioning of the digestive system. With it, food is absorbed more efficiently and quickly.- Pumpkin is often used in various diets. There are few calories in it, because more than half of it consists of water.
- Regular consumption of vegetables normalizes blood pressure levels. An additional effect is that headaches gradually decrease.
- It has long been known that “fat” has an antioxidant effect. This helps eliminate toxins and allows you to maintain youth for as long as possible.
- Pumpkin masks help cope with age-related changes. Their effect is similar to that of a salon. The main properties are to whiten, cope with inflammation, and even out skin tone.
- Without B vitamins, the nervous system suffers. Pumpkin contains them in abundance, so its consumption reduces the degree of stress and the severity of depressive conditions.
- This vegetable will also help solve the problem of iron deficiency. Its positive effect on blood composition has been noted.
- Pumpkin also has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, which prevents the development of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
- To have falcon vision, it is also beneficial to eat the orange vegetable, as it is effective in preventing eye diseases.
- The immune system is activated by regular consumption of pumpkin. The vegetable has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps remove mucus that accumulates in the lungs.
- Hard-barked “fat” is often used in the fight against such a phenomenon as thickening of bile. It also helps cleanse and renew cells.
- Our heroine is a good help in preserving men's health, for the treatment and prevention of genitourinary diseases.
Where does it grow?
The common pumpkin, like most of its relatives, is not particularly picky about climatic conditions., therefore it is widespread almost everywhere. In our country, it was first grown in the southern regions, and starting from the 19th century, the plant became more widespread, and even reached Siberia. The vegetable grows well in places with warm and moderately warm climates.
Important for growth
Pumpkin is unpretentious - can grow in almost any soil. The exception is wetlands or clayey areas where the soil is heavy. The “fat one” loves the sun, but will be quite satisfied with a semi-shaded place. In very shady places the fruits grow small.
In most territories of Russia, pumpkins are planted directly into the ground., but in some places where the climate is cooler, it is advisable to grow the vegetable in seedlings.
The distance between holes when planting in the ground is left about a meter, between rows - from 2 to 2.5 meters. It is better to plant in a checkerboard pattern. It is preferable to make holes up to 30 cm deep, spilling water before planting.When planting in the ground, you need to maintain the same distance between seedling bushes, and after planting, water at the rate of 2-3 liters of water per bush. You can put a handful of humus in the hole.
The pumpkin root is well developed, so it copes well with the dry period. But abundant watering is an additional advantage for it. It’s easy to determine whether it’s time to water the “fat one”: if the leaves begin to fade, then it’s time to water. Planted pumpkin seedlings should be watered daily until they begin to grow. Then water as needed. It is recommended to resume daily watering when the fruits are the size of a large apple.
Uses of orange fruit
The range of uses for pumpkin is very wide.. Traditionally it is used to prepare various dishes. In addition, “fat” helps to defeat many diseases or significantly reduce their manifestations. Pumpkin masks have excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
Kitchen treasure
The pumpkin menu is very varied. Vegetable porridges with water or milk are popular (rice or millet are most often used). Pies and pancakes are prepared with grated “fatty”. Pumpkin is baked in the oven alone or with the addition of other fruits, nuts and honey. They even prepare salads and desserts from raw vegetables.
Cures many diseases
To treat diseases, both raw vegetables and medicines based on them are used.. There are recipes with seeds, flowers, leaves. Pumpkin is used to cleanse and renew the liver and the entire body. Yellow “fat” helps with inflammation of the genitourinary tract and small stones in the gall bladder, perfectly dilutes bile, and alleviates the condition of cirrhosis and fatty hepatosis.
Excellent general strengthening, cleansing and restorative product, beneficial both for the liver and for the whole body as a whole, - pumpkin honey. You can cook it yourself:
- Remove seeds from a small pumpkin;
- fill with honey;
- close the pumpkin lid with the stem cut off and cover with cotton cloth on top;
- put in a cool place for 7-10 days;
- A syrup is formed inside - this is the healing agent.
For youth and beauty
Masks with pumpkin do an excellent job of treating skin inflammation and smoothing it out. If you eat a little raw pumpkin regularly, not only the condition of your skin but also your hair improves: dandruff disappears, curls become silky.
When used regularly, masks with vegetables are akin to salon care, as they have an excellent lifting effect.. So, it is useful to mix the boiled pulp with an egg, honey and heavy cream. This product is applied for 15-20 minutes. 1-2 times a week. After the procedure, you should rinse off the remaining product with warm water and lubricate the skin with your favorite cream. To prepare the masks you will need:
- boiled pumpkin pulp – 50 g;
- chicken egg – 1 piece;
- honey – 1/2 tsp;
- heavy cream – 2 tbsp. l.
For a slim figure
Pumpkin is not only low-calorie, and therefore used in dietary nutrition. If you eat the vegetable daily, it helps to activate the metabolism and normalize the digestion process. Thanks to it, heavy foods are digested faster and better. For those who eat pumpkin regularly, portions are significantly reduced, because its natural fiber allows you to feel full faster.
Pumpkin is a natural energy drink. It fills the body with vigor, and an increase in physical activity certainly has a positive effect on weight. Excellent weightloss remedy – fasting days with pumpkin. There are many pumpkin diets. Continuing to use “fat fat” after achieving the desired result, it is much easier to maintain normal weight.
There are restrictions
Pumpkin has few contraindications:
- allergies or individual intolerances;
- large stones in the gall bladder or kidneys (may begin to move and block the ducts);
- dessert varieties are not recommended for diabetics;
- exacerbation of diseases such as gastritis with low acidity, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastric and/or duodenal ulcers;
- liver disease in the acute stage.
It is important! Despite all the usefulness of the product, the presence of chronic or acute diseases is a reason to consult a doctor before introducing the product into your diet or starting medical procedures with it.
Reviews
The best thing about our “heroine”, of course those who have already tried to use or plant a vegetable will tell you.
Anna, 28 years old: “I didn’t even imagine that you could make a mask out of pumpkin, although it is a frequent guest on my table. I have long noticed that the best masks are natural. I tried it and didn’t regret it. The skin of the face looks soft and well-groomed. I think I’ll do it regularly, they say, then the effect will be better. I also need to introduce raw pumpkin into my diet; I’ve read a lot about its benefits. I tried this salad: finely chopped or simply grated pumpkin, lightly sprinkled with lemon juice, you can add a drop of sugar or honey. Both tasty and healthy!”
Irina, 35 years old: “I bought hard-bark, gymnosperm pumpkin seeds at the store. At first I thought it was a hoax, but the seeds planted for the experiment on the site sprouted and grew safely.I was very worried before cutting my pumpkin: what would it be like? It turned out that it was just a godsend! The pumpkin pulp is aromatic and sweetish. And the seeds are simply indescribable! There were a lot of them inside, and also without a shell. Very tasty and pleasant to eat - no cleaning work and no debris from the husk. I’ll plant more next year.”.
Conclusion
Common hard-bark pumpkin, or pepo, is a common plant that is unpretentious to growing conditions. She has many varieties, you can choose for every taste. It is generally stored well, and the taste of the pulp and seeds, especially in gymnosperm varieties, is quite high.
This melon crop is suitable for preparing various dishes. Medicines based on it help get rid of many diseases, maintain youth, and cleanse the body. The vegetable is recognized as an excellent assistant in the fight against excess weight. The “fat one” is also indispensable in cosmetology. If eaten raw, your hair and facial skin will look great; Cosmetic products - masks and lotions - contribute to the same effect. In general, pumpkin is a healthy product in all respects, which is why it has more admirers year after year.