Dried pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes or consumed as a snack. Below, some useful information about it is provided:
How to make dried pumpkin:
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Preparation:
- Wash the pumpkin and slice it into thin, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch or thinner for chips).
- If desired, season the pumpkin for making chips with salt, spices, or herbs.
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Drying methods:
- Dehydrator: Place the slices on the dehydrator trays and dry them at 52°C (125°F) for 8 to 12 hours until they are completely dry and crisp.
- Oven: Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at the lowest temperature (usually around 75°C or 170°F) for 2 to 4 hours, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
- Sun-drying: Place the slices on a clean tray or mesh, cover them with mesh, and leave them in the sun for several days, bringing them indoors at night. Ensure there is adequate airflow and low environmental humidity
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Storage:
- Store the dried pumpkin in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag in a cool, dark place. If stored properly, it can last up to a year.
Uses of dried pumpkin:
- Snack: Consumed directly as a healthy and crunchy snack.
- Soups and stews: Rehydrated and added to soups to enhance texture and nutritional value.
- Casseroles: Rehydrated pumpkin can be layered into lasagna or casseroles.
- Powder: Grind dried pumpkin into powder to use in smoothies, sauces, or baking.
Dried pumpkin as a raw material:
Dried pumpkin can be used in various ways, depending on the desired product or application. Below are some of its potential uses:
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Rehydration in cooking: Dried pumpkin can be rehydrated in water, broth, or other liquids. Once rehydrated, it can be used in soups, stews, sauces, casseroles, or condiments.
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Powder form: Dried pumpkin can be ground into powder. This pumpkin powder can be used as a thickening agent in soups or sauces, an additive in smoothies or protein shakes, or as an ingredient in gluten-free or vegetable-based flours for baking.
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Snack products: Dried pumpkin slices can be consumed as a healthy snack, similar to chips. These slices can be seasoned and baked or used as part of a mixed vegetable snack.
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Vegetable mixes: Dried pumpkin can be included in packaged vegetable mixes for instant soups or ready-to-cook meals.
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Pet food: Some pet foods use dried pumpkin as a vegetable supplement, which enhances the nutritional value of the animals’ diet.
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Cosmetic products: Pumpkin contains compounds
Amount | per 100grams | of dried pumpkin
Calories | 317kcal |
Protein | 4.6g |
fat | 1.6 g |
Saturated | Fat | 0.3 g
Carbohydrates | 63g |
fiber | 14 g |
sugar | 7 g |
vitamin A | 0 |
vitaminC | 14mg |
Calcium | 55mg |
iron | 2.4 mg |
Potassium | 1,300mg |