Tutorial on how to easily clean the pumpkin and store it in the fridge so it’s ready to use for your pumpkin recipes [meal prep: preparing meals in one go to optimize time].
This cleaned pumpkin can be stored for about a week.
About the Pumpkin
The pumpkin, low in calories and rich in water, is a vegetable with a sweetish taste.
In season during the autumn period, it is fresh from September to November but is easily available all year round.
There are many varieties of different shapes, colors, and textures.
I buy the most classic pumpkin, the orange one, I believe it is the muscat pumpkin.
Choose pumpkins with clean, unblemished skin.
How do I know if a pumpkin is ripe?
The characteristics of a ripe pumpkin are: dry stalk, hard skin, and a warm orange color tending towards cinnamon.
Whole pumpkins can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Having no space to store them, after testing one from my trusted greengrocer, if the flesh proves sweet and delicate [and the greengrocer confirms the origin] I buy one a week of medium size to clean and store as follows.
Alternatively, I buy the pumpkin in pieces with visible flesh.
PUMPKIN AND DIABETES
Pumpkin Glycemic Index
All types of pumpkin → GI 75.
In addition to the glycemic index, it is important to consider the glycemic load which is determined by the amount of food consumed.
The pumpkin has a high glycemic index but a low glycemic load.
– Can someone with diabetes eat pumpkin?
– Someone with diabetes can eat pumpkin!
In the case of hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes, pumpkin can be consumed without exceeding in portions.
As generally suggested by Professor Enzo Bonora
Important in any case, in the presence of diabetes, is to build an experience on the impact of this and all other foods on blood sugar. This means measuring before and two hours after eating it. Possibly more than once to get more reliable information. If the blood sugar increase is contained [less than 50 mg], you can put a “green sticker” on that type of food. Otherwise, it is better to avoid it.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin (whole)
Suggested Tools
- 1 Knife sharp stainless steel
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Bowl and colander
Preparation
WASH THE PUMPKIN
Thoroughly wash the whole pumpkin and dry it with a cloth. SPLIT THE PUMPKIN
Cut the pumpkin along the ribs, roughly dividing it into slices.CLEAN THE PUMPKIN TO GET THE FLESH
Continue by cleaning each slice to get as much flesh as possible.Cut each slice into pieces not too large.
! To reduce waste, it may be necessary to reduce the size of the pieces, especially at any curves.
Remove the fibrous part and seeds.
Cut the central part.
Remove the skin with a firm cut.Your pumpkin is cleaned and ready to use.
STORE THE PUMPKIN IN THE FRIDGE
Place the cleaned and cut flesh in a colander and place the colander inside a bowl or salad bowl.Store in the fridge uncovered.
This cleaned pumpkin can be stored for about a week, depending on the ripeness:
• Check its texture daily;
• Take the amount you need and cook it to taste;
• If you notice texture changes like rubbery chunks, hurry to consume it before it becomes soft.If you don’t know how to use it, make several portions of light pumpkin soup to store in the freezer.
Notes
Hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes. Here you will find dedicated recipes.
Remember:
• Start the meal with a generous portion of vegetables [raw or cooked];
• A balanced meal must contain all nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats & fibers;
• Always prepare it respecting the proportions and food combinations indicated in your dietary plan.
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