FLUTED PUMPKIN (Origin, Health Benefits & How To Grow)

A fluted pumpkin is a perennial climbing plant found in west tropical Africa and can grow upto 15 meters long. Its seeds are usually produced by a gourd and are also very rich in protein, fat and also a contribute to a well balanced diet meal, it is tolerant to drought and is grown mainly for food and medicinal uses.

Fluted pumpkin with the botanical name Telfaria Occidentalis is mainly grown in West Africa mostly for its leafy vegetable and edible seeds, It belongs to the cucurbitaceae family and is native to southern Nigeria. Fluted pumpkin is used mainly for soup and herbal medicines

Nutrient Composition
The fluted pumpkin leaves and seeds contains many essential nutrients and has been very helpful and useful in different medicinal purposes, the nutrient composition for every 100gm includes:

Calories>42,
Total fat>1.6g
Sodium >48mg
Potassium> 2500mg
Protein. > 3g
Cabohydrate >7g

Medicinal Properties & Uses of the fluted pumpkin

It has several medicinal uses and benefits to the human body this include: It is a good source of dietary fiber which reducws constipation and bowel movements, the vitamins content helps to maintain body tissues, it is also rich in antioxidants and can help prevent cancer formation, helps to balance the hormones and tissue repairs, serves as antidiabetic agent, specifically helps to improve blood production, improves strong bones and teeth, helps in treatment of convulsion , it is very effective for weight loss, it promotes fertility and finally but not the least it helps improvement of memory...

HOW To Plant And Nuture the fluted pumpkin

It takes approximately 90-100 days after planting depending on soil condition, untill the squash is ripe, each fluted pumpkin pod contains between 30-50 seeds depending on size, however the leaves are used in cooking various meals, can grow as long as 15m five weeks after planting, also it will began producing seeds in the pods six months after plamting.

Nursery, Planting And Transplanting Requirements

You can plant fluted pumpkin on raised nursery beds, though it can grow almost anywere, the soil should be fertile, well drained loamy soil type, and seeds should be planted in holes with depth not too deep, you can plant two seeds per hole,

The depth of planting shouldn't be too deep, planting should seeds should be in dimensions between 15 and 25cm deep, in a 3 inch pot, plant at most two seeds and cut off one if both grows, water your seeds everyday for two weeks before planting, plant will begin to grow after two weeks.

The transplanting can be done once it shoots out leaves, transplanting should be carefully done, with a large amount of original soil to avoid plant dying, watet often and adequately

Soil And Sun Requirement

The fluted pumpkin requires well drained and fertile loamy soil, ensure the land area for the #homestead farming is exposed to sunlight very well, sunlight and good soil are very crucial to grow your pumpkin plant.

Watering
pumpkin requires a lot of water to grow well, you will need to keep the soil evenly moist, be sure not to use an overhead sprinkler for irrigation, instead use a garden hose with a misting nozzle to water the mounds lightly,

Note: Not to over water, as fluted pumpkin does not do well in water-logged areas

Harvesting of Fluted Pumpkin
You can harvest fluted pumpkin one month after planting, the plant can be harvested at an eight month interval, for Commercial quantities, you should give a 60 day interval, the plant will produce seeds after six months.

Storage Of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves
Fluted pumpkins can be boiled or cooked with other foods like vegetables. It Can be taken as juice by mashing fresh leaves and then extracting the plant's juice or a vegetable salad, harvested fresh leaves can only remain fresh for just a day, However it can be stored in an airy place that is not congested.

Preservation Of Fluted pumpkin Fruits and Seeds

The seeds are usually harvested after about six months and they can be cooked and eaten, seeds are removed from the pods and allowed to dry by spreading it out in the sun, the seeds Can stay upto a month or more when properly preserved in a Cool dry place.

CONCLUSION
Fluted pumpkin or Telfairia occidentalis has abundance of health benefits loaded with vitamins A and C, it supports clear vision and strengthens the imune system. It's significant calcium and phosphorus levels contribute to strong bones while it's high fiber content facilitates digestion and helps with maintaining a healthy weight, additionally this vegetable is an excellent source of antioxidants, making it valueable addition to any diet.

They offer a powerful defense against
Oxidative stress, shielding cells and reducing the likelihood of chronic illnesses. Its anti-inflammatory potential further elevates its role in promoting overall wellness, packed with essential nutrients, this versatile and wholesome food provides comprehensive support for multiple aspects of health enhancing overall vitality.

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