Pumpkin consumption has been steadily increasing for years

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 11. 21. 11:37

According to the overview published by the National Chamber of Agriculture and the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Association, FruitVeB, domestic pumpkin consumption has been steadily increasing in recent years, and thanks to the ever-expanding selection, everyone can find their favorite and tastiest pumpkin pie and preparation method. Pumpkin is not only delicious, but also a real vitamin bomb, and thanks to its rich carotenoid content, it is also widely used in the cosmetics industry to stop skin aging.

According to the map, the Nagydobos variety is one of the most common domestic varieties, which is available to customers in a ready-to-cook state, cleaned and cut. In Hungary, pumpkins are grown on about 1,626 hectares, the largest area is in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, where about 336 hectares are cultivated.

This year was favorable for producers thanks to the weather, with sufficient rainfall and optimal sunshine. The amount of imports is negligible, in recent years, barely more than a thousand tons have arrived from abroad.

There are two main types in the offer: the giant pumpkin, which is a winter pumpkin with a long growing season, can be of different colors and shapes. The other variety, the Canadian pumpkin, costs HUF 400/kg in Debrecen and HUF 300/kg in Szeged in rural consumer markets. On the wholesale market, a kilo costs HUF 200 in Debrecen and HUF 160 in Szeged.

The consumption of pumpkin is also of great importance for our health, it is rich in vitamins and minerals. Due to its beta-carotene and alpha-carotene content, it is also used in the cosmetic industry to stop skin aging. Pumpkin can be prepared in different ways, for example baked as a holiday side dish or combined with a mouth-watering dip, which is also a perfect choice for the holiday table.