Wednesday, January 2, 2013

VEGETABLES OF BRAZIL - The Squash Family (Abóboras)

Although when speaking English we are accustomed to speaking in terms of butternut or acorn squashes, pumpkins, gourds, marrows, pattypans, zucchinis, etc., as separate foods, in fact all these vegetables are squashes - that is, botanically, they are all members of the genus Curcubita, the squashes. In Brazilian Portuguese, they are all inguistically linked together and called abóbora. To Brazilians a giant pumpkin and a small baby zucchini are both abóboras, although to help consumers along, some types are identified separately by modifiers or unique names. Zucchinis, for example, are generally referred to as abóbora italiana (Italian squash) or abobrinha (little squash). There are also unique regional names which are largely American in origin, such as jerimum, which is a Northeastern term for large pumpkin-type squashes.

The cultivation of squash goes back a very long way in human history, and archeological evidence seems to indicate that squashes were first cultivated in Mesoamerica between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. Native Americans referred to squashes as one the "three sisters" (the three main native food crops), along with corn (maize) and beans. In native American cultures, all parts of the squash were eaten (as they still are today in the area). The flesh, the seeds and even the blossoms are all essential ingredients in traditional Mexican, Peruvian, Brazilian and other New World cuisines.

Brazilians cook and eat squashes in many forms - in soups, in purees, which can be either savory or sweetened with sugar, salads, in breads and cakes, and in stews and hot-pots. Larger, sturdier squashes, are even used as containers for other foods. In the next few posts on Flavors of Brazil, we'll detail some of the uniquely Brazilian treatments of this important family of vegetables.

28 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well written, i hope you write again about open md file

    ReplyDelete
  4. Get detailed information on how to open apk files and access your favorite android files on several devices

    https://openapkfile.xyz

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is my Interesting topic, as i always love vegetables and their flavor in my food. These vegetables you mentioned add their unique taste definitely.. really expecting more from you dear...
    Luxury resort in Mandarmani
    Best hotels in gariahat for families

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely to see this info apk file for mac , thanks for share with us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. islamabad escorts Mr suraj have new models in Islamabad & murree for our vlaue able clients escorts in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  8. I used to ask to get this information for a long time, I was not getting it, after reading your post, I have got complete information about it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amex Card Activate: Finding Solutions and Confused for American Express Card Activate? Then, you’re at the right spot.

    activate american express card

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lucky Club Lucky Club Casino Site: Online Casino Games
    Lucky Club Lucky Club 카지노사이트luckclub Casino Site – Online Casino Games. Lucky Club Casino is a famous name in the gaming industry as it is known as an

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is very good content you share on this blog. it's very informative and provide me future related information. thnaks For Sharing

    ReplyDelete
  12. Masha Allah post padh kar kaafi jankari hasil huyi.

    ReplyDelete