Nutmeg pumpkin: photo, benefits and harms

Butternut squash is a herbaceous plant of the Gourd family native to Mexico. It is an annual creeping plant that, among other types of pumpkins, is distinguished by an especially sweet pulp taste and a rich vitamin composition. In addition, the product is considered to be dietary due to its low calorie content, which is why nutmeg pumpkin is often included in the daily diet for weight loss.

General description of butternut squash

This vegetable culture received its name for the specific nutmeg smell that appears when cutting the fruit. The shape and color of ripe fruits can vary greatly depending on the variety of butternut squash, as you can see in the photo below, however, some common features can be distinguished:

1. The weight of butternut squash on average varies from 1 to 10 kg, sometimes among large-fruited varieties there are specimens of 25-30 kg.
2. The peduncle of the species has 5 faces.
3. The flesh of the vegetable is quite dense, there are practically no hollow places in its structure. It is juicy and fibrous in consistency.
4. The pumpkin seeds are located in one place, making it easy to cut the fruit.
5. Butternut squash is distinguished from other species by the sweet taste of the pulp.
6. The skin of the fruit in most varieties is quite thin, it can be cut off with a knife without much difficulty.

The benefits and harms of butternut squash

The nutritional value of any sort of nutmeg pumpkin is an order of magnitude higher than that of other types. In particular, it is worth noting the high content of carotene in the pulp of ripe fruits of the culture - the percentage of the vitamin in butternut squash is even higher than in carrots. In addition, the fruits are rich in vitamins K, C, E, micro- and macroelements, as well as fiber. It is this vitamin composition that determines the beneficial properties of butternut squash:

• regular consumption of a vegetable helps to improve vision;
• aging processes slow down;
• there is a strengthening of blood vessels;
• the composition of the blood improves;
• the components contained in pumpkin stimulate the elimination of toxins from the body;
• strengthens the immune system.

The calorie content of this culture is 45 kcal per 100 g. This is a fairly low figure, so the vegetable is part of many diets and is recommended for eating with obesity.

Despite the fact that butternut squash is an extremely useful vegetable crop, it also has a number of contraindications to eating. In particular, it is not recommended to introduce the product into the diet for persons with the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer;
• pancreatitis;
• bilirubin;
• cholecystitis.

These restrictions are based on the high sugar content of butternut squash.

Popular varieties of butternut squash

Butternut squash is represented by a large number of varieties and hybrid forms intended for different growing zones and differing in terms of fruit ripening. In addition, depending on the variety, the area of ​​application of the culture in cooking differs.

Below are photos and a brief description of the most popular varieties of butternut squash.

Family

The Family variety is a late-ripening pumpkin with a consistently high yield. A distinctive feature of the variety is its large size - under favorable conditions, the pumpkin grows up to 1 m in length. Fruit weight averages 30-35 kg.

The vegetable has an elongated cylindrical shape. The surface of the ripe fruit has a dark green color, the rind is covered with wax. The pulp is juicy and crispy. The area of ​​application of the fruit is universal: the family pumpkin variety can be used for making baked goods, soups, juices, etc.

In the reviews to the Family pumpkin variety, the small size of the seed chamber is separately noted, as can be seen in the photo below. Most of the fruit is pulp.

Guitar

Pumpkin nutmeg Guitar - a variety of high lightness, the vegetable ripens in the shape of a guitar, while resembling a large zucchini. The mass of ripe fruits is 3-4 kg. The reviews note that the taste of the nutmeg pumpkin variety Guitar is a lot like apricots or carrots.

Grand slam

Muscat pumpkin Grand Slam - a variety of table and dietary purposes. The variety is medium late, drought-resistant and medium-grained. On each shoot, an average of 2-4 flattened fruits ripen. A distinctive external feature of the variety is a ribbed segmented surface. The peel is leathery, covered with wax. The color of the pumpkin is dark green with a brownish tint. The pulp is reddish orange, very sweet.

The weight of a ripe fruit can reach 5 kg. The advantages of the variety include good keeping quality - the harvested crop does not deteriorate during transportation and retains all its useful qualities well for about six months.

Arabat

Arabatskaya muscat pumpkin is a late-ripening high-yielding variety that is resistant to prolonged periods of drought. A distinctive feature of the variety is immunity to many diseases typical of melons.

The average weight of ripe fruits varies from 5.5 to 8 kg, in length the fruits of the variety can reach 50 cm. In their shape, the fruits are elongated, with a thickening at one end. The skin of the pumpkin is thin, smooth. As it matures, the culture of the variety acquires a rich yellow color, close to orange. The pulp is reddish-orange, crispy, juicy. A large proportion of the fruit is precisely the pulp, the seeds are densely concentrated at one end.

Prikubanskaya

Prikubanskaya muscat pumpkin is a mid-season variety with a consistently high yield. The length of the lash under favorable growing conditions can reach 4 m, the weight of the fruit varies from 2 to 3.5 kg. The peel of the cultivar culture is rather thin, the flesh is creamy. The advantages of the species include good keeping quality - the fruits retain an attractive presentation and taste for 2-4 months after harvest.

The ripe fruit is elongated with an extension at the end. The surface of the vegetable of this variety is smooth to the touch, the color of ripe fruits is orange with brown.

The variety tolerates long-distance transportation and does not lose its presentation over time.

Nectar

Muscat pumpkin Nectar is a variety with a pleasant rich aroma, as emphasized in the reviews. The weight of pumpkin fruits Nectar reaches 5-6 kg, the surface of a ripe vegetable is ribbed. The fruits are colored in a rich orange color, the pulp of the variety is characterized by a small number of seeds.

The scope of the Nectar variety is universal, but most often the harvested crop is spent on the production of juices and baby food.

Neapolitan nutmeg

Pumpkin Neapolitan Muscat is a large-fruited late-ripening universal variety that can grow up to 80 cm in length. The average weight of a pumpkin is 18-20 kg, in favorable conditions - 25 kg. The flesh of this pumpkin has an intense reddish brown color.

Fruits are smooth to the touch, weakly expressed segments are visible on the surface. In appearance, Neapolitan Muscat resembles a cylinder with bulges at the ends.

The skin is thin, greenish-brown. The harvest is stored without loss of taste from 6 months to 1 year.

Matilda

Matilda nutmeg pumpkin is a high-yield hybrid with large ribbed fruits. The variety is distinguished by the small size of the seed chamber and the rich honey aroma of the pulp. The mass of ripe fruits is about 3 kg, sometimes they grow up to 5 kg. After frying, the flesh of the Matilda variety acquires a pronounced nutty flavor.

Keeping the species good, as well as transportability.

Beauty

Muscat Beauty Pumpkin is a long-leaved variety of early ripening. The pulp of the fruit is used for making sweet pastries, cereals and soups.

The shape of the fruit is round. The surface of the variety is red-orange, segmented. The average weight of fruits is 4 kg, however, in favorable growing conditions, this figure can increase to 6 kg.

The pulp of the Krasavitsa variety is bright orange, juicy, tender.

Lola

Lola nutmeg pumpkin is a variety with long shoots that can reach 3 m in length. Ripe fruits have an elongated pear-shaped shape, the color of the peel is orange. The pumpkin grows in length up to 40 cm.

Vegetables of this variety are mainly used in the production of baby food, however, in general, the area of ​​application of the fruits is universal.

Pear-shaped

As the name suggests, the pear-shaped nutmeg pumpkin really resembles a pear in its appearance. The peel of ripe fruits is yellow, close to orange, however, in the course of breeding work, two-color subspecies were also bred.

Taste qualities are standard for the nutmeg species - the fruit pulp is sugary and juicy in consistency.

Nutmeg

Pumpkin Nutmeg - a variety with an unusual pulp taste. According to gardeners, it is sweet, with a nutty aftertaste, which formed the basis for the name of the variety.

The peel of ripe fruits is thin, colored bright red. The average weight of a ripe pumpkin is 1.5 kg. Each lash forms 4 to 6 fruits.

The variety is early maturing, the pumpkin fully ripens in 95 days. The keeping quality of the harvested crop is good, the fruits do not lose their qualities for several months.

Barbara F1

Barbara F1 is a nutmeg gourd hybrid that has consistently high yields that do not depend on growing conditions. Vegetables of the variety ripen well in all regions of Russia, but in the north it is better to plant them in a greenhouse. The lash of the plant is powerful, the hybrid practically does not get sick. Barbara F1 ripens in 55-60 days after the appearance of the first shoots.

The shape of the fruit is oblong, widened at one end. The peel of the variety is orange-green, striped. With good care, the weight of the fruit can reach 2-3 kg, the average weight is 1 kg. The cut flesh is orange in color.

The pluses of the variety include good keeping quality and transportability.

New

A novelty is a mid-season variety, the culture fully ripens in 110-115 days. The shape of the fruit resembles a cylinder with a slight thickening at the end. Ripe pumpkin can weigh 5-6 kg, sometimes there are 8 kg specimens.

The skin of the pumpkin is thin, the flesh is tender and juicy, moderately sweet. Among other varieties, the Novelty pumpkin is distinguished by good drought tolerance.

Pluto

Pluto is a powerful climbing hybrid with high stress tolerance. Vegetables of the variety set fruit well even under relatively unfavorable weather conditions.

The color of the peel is yellowish-buffy, the flesh is bright orange. The seeds are concentrated at the wide end of the fruit.

In terms of size, Pluto is classified as a portioned variety - the weight of its fruits does not exceed 1.5 kg.

Vitamin

Pumpkin Vitamin, among other nutmeg varieties, is distinguished by a high concentration of carotene - the vitamin content in the pulp of fruits reaches 16%. Ripe fruits weigh on average 5-7 kg. The yield of the variety is excellent, but the harvest ripens for a long time - the variety is classified as late, the pumpkin reaches ripeness only after 125-130 days.

Muscat de Provence

Muscat de Provence is a French-origin nutmeg pumpkin, a high-yielding variety that fully matures in 4 months. The fruits of the variety are stored for 3-4 months and perfectly tolerate transportation. The main advantage of the variety is that it is practically not affected by diseases.

Pearl

Pearl is a variety that resembles a long pear in its shape. The pumpkin pulp is juicy and very sweet. The mass of a ripe fruit reaches 5 kg, from the inside it is almost completely filled with dense, sweet pulp.

Trombone

Butternut pumpkin Trombone is a variety with a non-standard fruit shape. They are long and intricately twisted. In appearance, they really resemble a trombone.

According to reviews, this is a very tasty variety. The pulp is orange, dense and very aromatic. The seed nest is small. The fruit can be stored for more than a year without loss of quality.

The bark is very dense. The average weight of Trombone fruit varies from 5.5 to 8 kg.

Butternut (Nut)

Butternut (also Nut pumpkin, Squash) is a variety that has elongated cylindrical fruits. The color of the flesh is orange, the peel is pale yellow, approaching orange. The structure of the pulp is fibrous, it tastes sweet and juicy.

Miracle Yudo

Chudo-Yudo nutmeg pumpkin is a type of oval shape with a slightly segmented surface. The weight of ripe fruits can reach 8 kg.

The rind is dark green, but there are light spots on the surface. A thin coating is felt on the skin. The pulp is orange, close to red.

According to numerous reviews, the Chudo-Yudo nutmeg pumpkin, when sliced, exudes a rich nutmeg aroma. They also note the harmonious taste of the fruits of this variety, which cannot be called either cloying-sweet or insipid.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is an early ripe variety with fruits that resemble a pear in appearance. The mass of a ripe pumpkin with good care can reach 3.5-4 kg.

The pulp of the grade Peanut butter is creamy, with a dense consistency. The taste of the fruit is sweet, sugary. Vegetables of this variety are stable, tolerate long-distance transportation, and retain their qualities for a long time.

Bylinka

Bylinka is a mid-season variety with a flattened fruit shape. The vegetable is distinguished by a high density of the skin and a light gray color. The weight of ripe fruits varies from 3 to 4.5 kg. The pulp of the Bylinka variety has a bright orange color, the texture is delicate, fibrous. It tastes moderately sugary without a sugary aftertaste.

The key characteristic of the Bylinka nutmeg pumpkin is its long shelf life. The harvested crop perfectly retains its attractive appearance and taste until the next season. Also, the variety is resistant to external influences and temperature extremes.

Russian woman

The Russian woman is a variety of early ripening terms with high yield rates. From one plant, under favorable conditions, from 15 to 20 kg of the crop are removed. This variety of butternut pumpkin has proven itself well when grown in the Urals, and the variety is also suitable for planting crops in the Moscow region.

Growing butternut squash outdoors

Caring for butternut squash, as a rule, does not cause much difficulty, although this culture is considered more demanding on heat than other types. It can be grown through seedlings, but it is also possible to sow seeds directly into open ground. The second option is preferable only in the south of the country; in other regions, the culture is grown under cover or by seedling.

Site selection and preparation

When choosing a site for planting, it is better to stay in open, bright areas that are well protected from drafts. The crop bears fruit best on light loamy soils, but it also develops well on other types of soil. If you wish, you can dig up the selected area in the fall and fertilize it with a mixture of superphosphate and rotted manure.

Preparation of planting material

Preparation of butternut squash seeds is reduced to soaking in hot water (about 50 ° C) for 1-2 hours. Then they are wrapped in a damp cloth until they are pecked.

Landing features

The approximate dates for sowing seeds for seedlings are the last days of April, but depending on the variety and climatic conditions, the dates may change. Seedlings are grown indoors, with a temperature of at least 22 ° C. Seedling care implies moderate watering, fertilizing with complex fertilizer (2 times) and hardening. In open ground, seedlings can be transplanted when 2-4 leaves are formed on them. By this time, the earth should warm up properly, at least to 10-12 ° C, which occurs on average at the end of May.

The recommended planting scheme is 60 by 60 cm. The depth of the hole should be at least 10 cm. Each of them must be filled with water before planting the plant. When she leaves, the seedlings are placed in the holes, added dropwise and lightly pressed down on the ground.

Follow-up care

Further care comes down to the following:

1. It is necessary to regularly weed the plantings and loosen the soil near the plants.
2. Despite the fact that most varieties of butternut squash are quite drought tolerant, it is recommended to water the beds in a timely manner. At the same time, they are guided by the condition of the soil - it should not crack. Before the formation of ovaries, pumpkins are watered on average once a week, then the frequency of watering is increased to 2 times a week, and you can only use warm, settled water.
3. The pumpkin develops well without fertilization, but in order to get a good harvest, it is advisable to feed the plantings at least 2-3 times. 10-14 days after planting, the plants are fertilized with mullein infusion in a ratio of 1:10. During the flowering period, complex fertilizers and wood ash are suitable.
4. Butternut squash forms a large number of ovaries, however, it is not able to provide them with sufficient nutrition. If you do not cut off excess shoots, the plant forms many small fruits. So that the harvest does not shrink, it is recommended to form a culture of 2-4 fruits.

Diseases and pests

The most common diseases of butternut squash include:

1. Anthracnose. The first sign of the disease is that the fruits and stems of the plant are covered with brown spots. If nothing is done, the pumpkin will begin to crumble and dry out. Against anthracnose, plantings are treated with a Bordeaux liquid solution.
2. Bacteriosis It appears as dark green spots. Then the leaves of the pumpkin begin to dry out, and the fruits begin to deform. Treat planting with a solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux liquid. The affected areas of the plant must be cut off.
3. Root rot - a disease that first of all affects the underground part of the plant, causing root cracking. Then the fruit stops growing and the leaves turn yellow and dry out. Plants are treated with drugs "Fundazol" and "Previkur". Wood ash has proven itself well in the fight against root rot.

Of the pests, butternut squash is most often damaged by the following insects:

• spider mite;
• melon aphid;
• slugs.

Against aphids and spider mites, the beds are treated with "Karbofos" and onion peel infusion. In order to scare off slugs, the plants are sprinkled with ash and sprayed with garlic infusion. Cope well with slugs "Thunderstorm".

Prevention of diseases and pests implies compliance with the following agricultural rules:

• in no case should the plants be flooded during watering;
• it is important to adhere to crop rotation;
• planting varieties are planted according to the recommended scheme;
• it is advisable to weed weeds from time to time;
• plants must be regularly inspected for diseases and pests;
• it is better to place crops with other typical diseases in the vicinity of pumpkins.

Harvesting and storage

The exact timing of harvesting depends on the variety of butternut squash, but in general it is better not to delay this process. Since this culture is quite thermophilic, it is necessary to remove the fruits before the onset of the first frost. Even the slightest cold snap can almost completely ruin the yield of some varieties that are especially sensitive to heat.

When collecting ripe fruits, they are guided by the following rules:

• the pumpkin is not picked by hand, but cut with a knife or pruner;
• it is advisable to collect in dry, cloudless weather;
• when cutting the fruit, do not touch the peel, as an infection can penetrate through the cut and subsequently move on to other pumpkins.

The harvested crop is harvested in a room with room temperature, but it is better to move the fruits to a cellar, where it is dark and cool. The optimum temperature range for long-term storage is 12 ° C.

Conclusion

Butternut squash has won favorable reviews from gardeners for the versatility of the fruit, however, this culture is best suited for making desserts. The variety is distinguished by sweetness, so butternut squash is most often added to baked goods, baby food and sweet cereals.

You can learn more about the features of butternut squash from the video below:

Reviews of butternut squash

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