Are pumpkin and squash the same? What's the difference?

Pumpkin and squash are different. Pumpkin is a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family of the Violaceae order, also known as wax gourd and papaya; northern melon is a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family of the Cucurbitales order, also known as bamboo squash and ocean melon. The differences between pumpkin and northern melon are mainly reflected in the following aspects.

1. Origin distribution

Pumpkins are native to Mexico and Central America and are now widely grown all over the world, but the largest planting area is in Asia, followed by Europe and South America. The northern melon is native to Bolivia, Chile and Argentina in South America, and has now spread to all parts of the world. The northern melon in my country may have been introduced from India and is now widely cultivated in all parts of my country.

2. External shape

It is actually very easy to distinguish pumpkins and squash because their appearances are very different and completely identical. The colors of pumpkins are mainly orange and green. Their appearance is flat or irregular gourd-shaped. When they are not yet ripe, their skin is very crisp and their flesh is firm. The shape of the pumpkin is similar to that of the zucchini. It looks very long, U-shaped and slightly curved. Its stems have translucent, rough hairs, the tendrils are forked, and the leaves are triangular or ovate-triangular.

3. Nutritional Value

Winter melon is rich in fiber, anti-interferon and vitamin A, which can promote gastrointestinal motility, speed up body metabolism, enhance body immunity, and has a certain effect of protecting the eyes. Pumpkin is rich in polysaccharides, β-carotene, mineral elements, amino acids and active proteins, and has richer nutritional value.