Are pumpkins the same as melons?
When shopping for melons in the vegetable market, are you confused about pumpkin and northern melons? These two plants with similar names are often mistaken for the same species. In fact, they not only belong to different botanical classifications, but also have significant differences in morphological characteristics, cultivation history, etc. By comparing and analyzing the unique attributes of the two, we can have a more scientific understanding of this pair of "twins in the melon realm." Botany classification differences Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) belongs to the Cucurbita family of the order Violales. The Latin scientific name "moschata" means musk smell. Cucurbita maxima belongs to the Cucurbita family, the order Cucurbita, and the species additive "maxima" suggests its huge growth potential. This taxonomic difference determines the fundamental difference between the two at the genetic level. Archaeological evidence of origin and spread trajectory shows that pumpkin was first domesticated in the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico and has been cultivated for 8000 years. It was introduced to Asia through Portugal merchant ships in the 16th century. It has been recorded in my country's Compendium of Materia Medica that "pumpkins were planted in southern China." Beimelons originated in the Andes Mountains and were widely planted during the Inca Empire. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, they were introduced through the Maritime Silk Road in two routes: one passed through India to Yunnan, and the other was introduced from the Philippines to Fujian and Guangdong. Comparison of morphological characteristics Differences between fruits and plants Mature pumpkins are mostly oblate in shape, with obvious ridge-shaped protrusions on the fruit stalk, and the skin gradually changes from green green to orange-red. The fruit of Beigua is curved in a U-shape, with a cylindrical handle, and the skin always remains bluish-white. The leaves of pumpkin are palmate shallowly divided, while the leaves of northern melon are ovate and triangular, with more obvious serrations on the leaf margins. Nutritional composition analysis Every 100 grams of pumpkin contains 3100 micrograms of beta-carotene, which is 6 times that of cucumber. Its polysaccharide component has a special effect of regulating immunity. The cellulose content of northern melon reaches 2.9 g/100 g, 40% higher than that of pumpkin, and is rich in unique alkaloids such as trigonelline. Both are rich in potassium, but the selenium content of northern melons is more prominent. Pumpkins are highly adaptable for cultivation and consumption, grow well in soil with pH 5.5 -6.8, and are suitable for novice planting. Beigua needs more detailed temperature management, and the temperature difference between day and night needs to be maintained at 8-10℃. In terms of cooking, pumpkins are suitable for desserts and stews, and the crispy and tender texture of the cucumber is more suitable for quick frying or marinating. People with diabetes are advised to choose Beijing melons with lower GI values, while people who use eyes can eat more pumpkins to supplement lutein.
Through comparison, it can be seen that pumpkin and cucumber have their own characteristics in terms of botanical attributes, cultivation requirements and edible value. Understanding these differences can not only help us correctly identify them, but also make reasonable choices based on nutritional needs. When you shop next time, you may wish to observe the shape of the fruit stalk and epidermal characteristics to experience the practical fun of plant taxonomy.