It’s pumpkin season! These winter gourds aren’t just pretty - they’re tasty, too. Pumpkins are only native to North and South America, but today, farmers cultivate them on every continent except Antarctica! People around the world enjoy this orange squash in a surprising variety of dishes. Some of them are shocking! 😲
Pumpkin pie dominates North America
Pumpkin pie is a staple dessert during Thanksgiving in the United States, making it the most popular pumpkin dish in this region. But people here don’t just eat pumpkin - they drink it, too! Pumpkin spice lattes made with coffee, milk, and pumpkin flavoring are a favorite drink in many coffee shops during the fall season. Mmm, sugar and spice!
South and Central America have plenty of pumpkin variety
In Argentina, pumpkin dishes can be savory - pumpkin is often enjoyed in empanadas along with onions and spices! But you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a Central American pumpkin dish. In Mexico, pumpkin is sometimes added to flan, a set custard dish with a caramelized top. Both sweet and savory lovers can find a tasty pumpkin dish here!
Europe’s pumpkin dessert is an inside-out pie
Italy is known for its pasta, but pumpkin doesn’t usually star in this country’s pasta dishes - instead, it’s often stirred into smooth Italian risotto! Farther north, in Austria, the classic thin dough of a streusel is filled with pumpkin purée and topped off with nuts, sugar, and spices. Sounds a bit like pumpkin pie!
Pumpkin stars in two Asian soups
In Thailand, pumpkin purée is used to flavor curry, a creamy and aromatically spiced soup made with coconut milk. But wait - there’s another Asian pumpkin soup to enjoy! In China and other East Asian countries, dumplings filled with pumpkin purée are enjoyed by themselves or eaten while floating in hot broth. It’s perfect for chilly fall and winter days!
Pumpkin dishes are hearty in Africa
For a heartier alternative to Asia’s pumpkin soup, try West African pumpkin stew: a spiced broth full of vegetable chunks, pieces of meat, and hunks of pumpkin. And stew is even better with a bit of bread, so Nigerians fold pumpkin purée into their fritter batter and fry it in a skillet like a pancake! Actually, pumpkin pancakes sound really good!
Wherever you are this fall, you’re bound to find something delicious that features pumpkins. These adorable autumnal gourds are impossible to resist! Which kind of pumpkin food is your favorite? Click the blue button below to vote! 👓