Perfect pumpkin picks: A guide to choosing market gems
Pumpkins reign supreme at the markets. It's hard not to notice them, as their colour catches the eye, and their shapes can be impressive. However, the most important thing is to ensure that when cut, the vegetable's flesh is firm and not dried out. What should you pay attention to when buying the best pumpkin for culinary purposes?
30 October 2024 08:38
Pumpkin season is in full swing. We use pumpkins for many dishes, from coffee syrup to soups, dumplings, and sweet baked goods. The success of these dishes largely depends on the pumpkin's quality. If it is dried out, it won't be as tasty. That's why it's worth knowing how to choose the best one in the market.
Pumpkin: Pay attention to the skin
Buying a pumpkin whole is good, as it will stay fresh the longest. However, the choice is particularly important here to avoid disappointment when cutting it open. Start by carefully examining the skin, which should be smooth and hard, without any damage. Its colour is also important. This depends greatly on the variety, but it should be uniform and intense. The more orange the pumpkin, the more beta-carotene and pigment it contains.
What the stem indicates
It's also worth paying attention to the stem. The stem should be slightly woody. Its absence may indicate that the pumpkin was picked too early or stored improperly.
Familiar tricks
When buying a pumpkin, the tricks we use at the market when choosing a watermelon can also work. It's about listening to the sound it makes when tapped. The sound made by the pumpkin should be dull. This means it is full and ripe. A hollow sound may mean that the flesh is dried out or there will be little of it when cut open. The pumpkin, just like a watermelon, should have only one spot. This indicates that it grew lying in one position from start to finish.
Weight is also significant. The heavier the pumpkin is relative to its size, the more meaty and juicy it will be inside.
