PUMPKIN HARVEST

It's pumpkin harvest time and the Jap pumpkins are ready! Are you feeling a bit confused about what Jap pumpkin is? You’re not the only one! Jap pumpkin is listed as a safe low FODMAP pumpkin in the Monash University Low FODMAP foods. FODMAPs are a collection of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in foods naturally or as food additives. FODMAPs include fructose (when in excess of glucose), fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactose and polyols (eg. sorbitol and mannitol). A low FODMAP diet is indicated in people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

But what exactly is Jap Pumpkin? Jap pumpkin was originally called Kabocha squash/pumpkin and this name is used in North America, UK and Japan.‘Jap’ is short for Japanese Pumpkin, which is what it is often called in Australia or New Zealand. The name Jap pumpkin is now being phased out in may areas as it has racist connotations. This type of pumpkin is also referred to as Kent pumpkin. The Kabocha pumpkin is an Asian variety of winter squash from the species Cucurbita maxima.

Look for pumpkins with a hard, thick skin that are heavy for their size. Once cut, remove seeds, cover and store in the fridge for up to one week. Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta carotene. It also contains dietary fibre, potassium, and vitamins C and E.

This post is part of the Friday Greens meme,
and also part of the Food Friday meme.