Pumpkins are often associated with autumn and wintertime, with falling leafs, dropping temperatures, Halloween and winter dishes. But don’t overlook the healthy aspects of the pumpkin. It is full of beta-carotene, Vitamin A & C, alpha-carotene, zinc and lutein, and it is even promoted in certain recent studies that it nourishes your skin. Recently SVZ has broadened its pumpkin portfolio; it is now available in IQF, as an aseptic puree and as juice concentrate. IQF Several pumpkin types such as Bambino, Butternut squash and Violina are available as IQF cubes 20x20x20 (see picture) or Bambino as 10x10x10. It is great as a sweet tasting ingredient in Mediterranean dishes with chickpeas or in a stew. So, having a few types available will definitely give you the right ingredient for your ready meal or soup. Preparing your own puree using IQF cubes is possible, but in that case it may be better to consider using a pumpkin puree. Puree Both acidified and non-acidified puree is available. The acidified puree has only had a mild pasteurization and is therefore brighter in colour and a little fresher in taste. The acidification with lemon juice concentrate gives it a slightly sour taste which might be ideal in your application. If an acid taste it not suitable because you want to use it in a soup or in baby food (yes, < 10 ppb available as well), please consider sterilised puree. The colour hardly deteriorates. Both purees can also be used as a basis in drinks. The natural fibre content provides a beautiful thick base for the development of a new autumn drink. Juice concentrate If you are not looking for the fleshy aspect of pumpkins, concentrated juice will surely do the job in your beverages. Because the concentrate is very yellow, with no brown shade – see the picture - you can blend it with other low coloured concentrates without it turning brown. This “colouring foodstuff” aspect is even more prominent in the heavier acidified juice concentrate than it is in the mildly acidified one. As it doesn’t have an overpowering taste, you may be triggered to also use it as filler. It isn’t very expensive and prices are more stable throughout the years compared to the well known fruit types. Please contact your regular salesperson for samples, product specifications and offers.
