Guercino's Vanity Terra Pumpkin
Vanity Pumpkin Features
Vanity squash has a round and slightly flattened shape. Its skin is a light grayish green color and has light grooves. Its size varies from 1 to 2.5 kg. The skin is smooth and thin, making it easy to peel and, in some recipes, it can be used together with the pulp. This variety of squash can be stored for up to 8 months after harvest if kept in a cool, dry environment.
Pulp and Flavor
The pulp of the Vanity pumpkin is bright orange, compact and very dry. It has a sweet and delicate flavor, similar to that of cooked chestnuts. The consistency is firm and floury, making it ideal for a wide range of culinary preparations.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Vanity squash is extremely versatile in the kitchen, offering several options for preparing delicious dishes:
1. First courses :
• Risotto with pumpkin and sausage: a rich and tasty autumn dish.
• Pumpkin lasagna: a delicate and creamy variation of the classic lasagna.
• Pasta with pumpkin and bacon: where the sweetness of the pumpkin combines perfectly with the crispy bacon.
2. Second Courses and Side Dishes :
• Pumpkin parmigiana: a tasty alternative to aubergine parmigiana.
• Baked pumpkin with speck: perfect as a tasty side dish.
3. Soups and Creamed Soups :
• Pumpkin soup: creamy and enveloping, ideal for cold evenings.
• Pumpkin and mushroom cream soup: a combination of autumnal flavours.
4. Sweets and Leavened Products :
• Pumpkin bread: a soft and aromatic leavened product, perfect to accompany meals.
• Pumpkin cupcakes: soft and tasty sweets, ideal for snacks.
Nutritional Benefits
Vanity pumpkin is not only tasty, but also rich in nutrients:
• Vitamin A : essential for eye health and the immune system.
• Fiber : useful for digestion and for maintaining a sense of satiety.
• Minerals : contains calcium, phosphorus and iron, essential for healthy bones and blood.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Conservation
To maintain the quality of Vanity pumpkin:
• Ideal location: store in a cool, dry place.
• Precautions: avoid excessively low temperatures and humidity to prevent crystallization of the pulp and the formation of mold.
Examples of Use
Vanity squash excels in numerous dishes, such as:
• Risottos: risotto with pumpkin and mushrooms or with Taleggio cheese.
• Pasta and Lasagna: pasta with pumpkin and bacon, pumpkin lasagna.
• Soups: pumpkin and potato cream soup, pumpkin and carrot cream soup.
• Desserts: pumpkin pie, pumpkin cupcakes.
Vanity squash is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality product, versatile in the kitchen and rich in nutritional benefits.