Pumpkin, also known as zapallo, is a plant in the cucurbitacea family. Its origin dates back to Central and South America.
It is believed that Native Americans grew the pumpkin thousands of years ago, taking advantage of both its edible fruit and seeds.
Pumpkin morphology consists of different parts. First of all, we have the roots, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients from the soil for the plant to grow. The stem is the main part of the plant, which supports large, vigorous leaves. The leaves are lobulated, an intense green color, and perform the function of capturing sunlight for photosynthesis.
Tarps are those curly structures the plant uses to climb on and hold on to other surfaces. Pumpkin flowers are bright yellow, and are divided into male flowers, which produce pollen, and female flowers, which will give birth to fruit once fertilized. And finally, the fruit, which is the most well-known and used part of the plant. Pumpkins can come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and their pulp is rich in nutrients.
They can be cooked in various ways, from stews to cakes, and their seeds are also highly appreciated for their fiber content and healthy fats.
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