Season: Available all year round, with peak quality during the cooler months.
Flavor: Mildly sweet, nutty, and earthy. When cooked, the texture becomes creamy, velvety, and smooth.
Primary uses:
Culinary Classics: Perfect for creamy soups, hearty stews, and traditional Thai stir-fries (like Pumpkin with Egg).
Desserts: A staple for pies, custards (Sangkaya), and muffins.
Roasted: Sliced and roasted with herbs as a healthy side dish or added to warm salads.
Edible Seeds: The seeds (pepitas) can be toasted for a protein-rich, crunchy snack.
Benefits:
Immune Support: Loaded with Beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A to help fight infections.
Eye Health: High in Lutein and Zeaxanthin, protecting your vision from age-related decline.
Weight Management: Low in calories but high in fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied.
Skin Glow: The high antioxidant content helps protect the skin from sun damage.