Pumpkin, Freshness : Yes

The pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Poir.), is an important member of cucurbitace family and is grown extensively during kharif (monsoon) and summer season across India, for tender and immature fruits. Its fruits are consumed in cooked form and also used for preparation of sweets. The fruit juice, flowers, young stem and leaves have many medicinal values.India is the second largest producer of pumpkin in the world after China (5.768 million tones).

The higher productivity in these countries is due to the coverage of maximum area under hybrids where as OP varieties occupied major area in India and pumpkin are being cultivated by resource poor farmers through self-saved seed. The demand of hybrid seed among farmers is increasing because of earliness, uniformity and higher yield which make pumpkin cultivation more profitable than traditional/open pollinated varieties.

The basic seed of parental lines should be obtained from the institute/university where from the hybrid have been developed.

Health Benefits From Tomatoes:

•  Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.

•  Pumpkin seed oil is full of phytoestrogens, which research shows are beneficial for preventing hypertension.

•  Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, the amino acid that contributes to post-Thanksgiving dinner sleepiness, says Virgin.

•  The antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene (all of which are found in pumpkin) have been shown to support eye health and prevent degenerative damage.