Vegetables - Crown or Grey Pumpkins

Vegetables - Crown or Grey Pumpkins - BioGro Certified 

Whole Approx 2kg

They have a hard blue/grey skin, with a rich orange flesh. Crown pumpkins are about 30 cm in diameter, 10 cm deep, and weigh about 4kg.

The most common variety sold in New Zealand is 'Whangaparoa'. Because of their hard skin they keep well and are usually available all year round.

Pumpkins and squash are a good source of vitamin A, containing high levels of the carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin) which the body converts to vitamin A (some more than others). The stronger the colour of the flesh, the more carotenoids the pumpkin will contain.

Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin C and a source of vitamin E plus contains dietary fibre and potassium at levels of dietary significance. Buttercup squash is a good source of folate and a source of dietary fibre, vitamin E and niacin plus contains potassium. While pumpkin is lower in carbohydrate and calories compared to vegetables of similar texture like kumara or potatoes, buttercup squash has a similar carbohydrate and calorie content to potatoes. 

The most abundant phytonutrients in pumpkins are the range of carotenoids which as well as being a source of vitamin A are being investigated for other heath benefits.