- Botanical Name & Family: Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima, Cucurbitaceae (gourd family).
- Plant Description: Fruit of certain squash varieties. Hard orange rind with grooves. Very long annual vines. Botanically a pepo (type of berry). Generally large (4-8 kg+), but some varieties are small. Yellowish to orange, various shapes. Hard, woody, ridged, angled fruit stem.
- Cultivation Tips: Requires warm, sunny site, plenty of water, shelter from cold winds. Needs long, hot growing season. Plant individually or in groups on small hills (2.5-3 m apart). Thrives in organic, rich, well-drained sandy soils (pH 6-7.5). Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep. Water deeply and infrequently (1-2 inches/week). Side dress with nitrogen fertilizer once vines develop runners. Harvest when fully colored, rind is hard, vine dies back.
- Ayurvedic Description: Predominantly water and earth elements, making it grounding and hydrating. Sweet taste, cooling effect. Balances Pitta and Vata doshas. Rich in fiber (aids digestion), beta-carotene (skin health), tryptophan (mood booster). Anti-inflammatory, natural immunity enhancer. Pumpkin soup with cumin/black pepper/ginger for digestion. Roasted seeds for snack. Pumpkin face mask for skin.
Nutritional profile of seasonal vegetable (per 100g raw edible portion):
| Vegetable | Botanical Name | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Key Vitamins | Key Minerals |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima | 30 / 49 | 8 / 19 | 1 / 3 | 0 / 7 | 1 / 7 | A (55 mcg RAE), C (12 mg), K, E | K (8 mg), Fe (5 mg), Cu, Mg, P, Zn, Se, Na |