Pumpkin
United States Colonists learned to grow and use pumpkins from Native Americans. Pumpkin and the pie made from it became a National Thanksgiving tradition (the holiday was even delayed once because molasses for the pie was not readily available). Pumpkin is a member of the gourd family which also include muskmelon, watermelon and squash. It has orange flesh (and usually an orange exterior) with a mild, sweet flavor with edible seeds (pepitas) when husked and roasted.
Plural
Pumpkins
Season
available year-round
How to select
They can grow to over 100 pounds, but only the smallest sizes have tender flesh suitable for eating. Select pumpkins that are free of blemishes and heavy for their size. Pureed pumpkin is also available canned.
How to store
They will keep whole at room temperature for a month, and in the refrigerator for three.
How to prepare
bake.
Matches well with
apples, bacon, bourbon, brown sugar, butter, caramel, cinnamon, cloves, cocnut, Cognac, crea, duck, garlic, ginger, Gruyere cheese, honey, leeks, mace, maple syrup, mint, molasses, mushrooms, nutmeg, nuts, olive oil, onions, pecans, pepper, pumpkin seeds, rum, sage, sherry, sour cram, sugar, thyme, vanilla, vinegar, walnuts, yogurt