Calabaza is a type of squash popular in Caribbean and Central South American cuisine, with many varieties. It was a staple of the pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican diet and is versatile in cooking. It is rich in vitamins and has traditional medicinal uses. The tough crust can be difficult to cut.
A calabaza, also called a West Indian squash, is a type of squash or squash popular in Caribbean and Central South American cuisine. There are many different varieties of calabaza, all members of the genus Cucurbita. Squash is similar to a squash, usually with sweet, firm, bright orange or yellow flesh. The exterior of the gourd can be green, tan, red, orange, yellow, blue, or multi-colored, and the size of the fruit also varies greatly. Calabaza is often sold in pre-cut pieces rather than whole, as the tough crust can be difficult to cut through.
Calabaza was a staple of the pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican diet, along with maize or corn and runner beans, known collectively as the “three sisters.” The plants were all grown together in a technique called companion planting, as they contributed to each other’s growth. Runner beans could grow around corn stalks, providing nitrogen to the soil and shade to prevent weeds. The gourd helped the soil retain moisture, and its thorny stems deterred pests. Furthermore, the three plants offer a balanced diet.
Calabazaas are a very versatile food plant. In addition to pumpkin pulp, pumpkin flowers and seeds, or pepitas, are also eaten. The flesh of the calabaza can be roasted and eaten on its own or used in savory stews, as a thickener for sauces, or in desserts such as pies, cakes, and candies. The seeds are shelled and roasted, often after pickling or salting, and eaten as a nutritious snack. Calabaza can also be used in recipes that call for pumpkin, squash, and the like.
When choosing a whole calabaza, look for one that is heavy and with the stem attached. Don’t buy one with soft or dark dots. The crust is heavy and can be difficult to cut, often requiring a heavy knife or cleaver. One method of opening it is to remove the stem, then place a knife blade along the length of the fruit and tap it gently with a hammer until it pops open. Remove the seeds and peel the pumpkin before preparing it.
Calabaza fruit is rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, riboflavin, thiamin and calcium, while the flowers are rich in calcium, phosphorus and iron. The plant also has traditional medicinal uses. The seeds are believed to help prevent kidney stones, get rid of intestinal parasites and promote prostate health, while the flowers and leaves are used against jaundice and stomach inflammation. Some Native American groups traditionally used the seeds to prevent bed wetting in children.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
