Can Organic Pumpkin Be Frozen?
Yes, organic pumpkins can be frozen. In fact, there is no better way to preserve pumpkin for later use than freezing it in a refrigerator. Frozen organic pumpkins can be used later in recipes such as stews, baked goods, and soups. With that said, there are a number of tips or steps you need to follow when freezing your pumpkin to maintain its flavor and texture. You need to choose the right pumpkin (either sugar or pie pumpkin), roast or cook the pumpkin, divide the cooked pumpkin into portions that are appropriate for your needs, label and date the container you will use for freezing, and finally, put the pumpkin in the freezer to freeze. The good thing about frozen organic pumpkin is that it can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months and when you are ready to use it, simply thaw it.
Is Pumpkin A Fruit Or A Vegetable?
Even though pumpkin is often referred to as a vegetable in culinary contexts, it’s technically a fruit. Fruit refers to the mature ovary of a flowering plant and usually contains seeds. In light of that, a pumpkin develops from the ovaries of a pumpkin flower and it contains seeds which technically makes it a fruit. However, in everyday usage, pumpkin is often prepared in savory dishes and used more like a vegetable which explains why it’s often referred to as a vegetable.
What Are The Different Uses Of Pumpkin In Cooking?
Pumpkin is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. You probably are wondering how this is so. Well, here are some different uses of pumpkin in cooking.
· Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in baked goods. It is known to add a subtle sweetness and a moist texture to baked goods such as muffins, pies, and pumpkin bread.
· Pumpkin seeds can also be roasted, eaten as a snack, or simply used to add texture to baked goods, salads, and soups.
· Pumpkin soup is a classic and you should have a taste of it if you haven’t. It is usually flavored with warming spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
· Pumpkin puree is without a doubt a popular ingredient in many recipes such as dips, pasta sauces, as well as pumpkin pie filling.
In a nutshell, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can add or enrich the flavor of a variety of dishes.