Pumpkin tops vs. pumpkin tops: which is better to eat? What are the differences? Let’s take a look!

For those who have walked through the market and hesitated between “ pumpkin shoots ” and “ pumpkin shoots ” and what to choose, today we have the answer! These two vegetables look very similar, but in fact, they have clear differences in taste, cooking methods, and health benefits.

Even though they are in the same stir-fry menu, the feeling when eating them is completely different. Try reading this article first, then you will be able to choose without confusion.

What is pumpkin top?

Pumpkin shoots are the young shoots, young leaves, and young vines of the เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย pumpkin plant. They are considered delicious and nutritious, no less than the pumpkin itself.

The distinctive features are:

• The leaves are serrated, with slightly fluffy edges, similar to Bodhi leaves or heart-shaped leaves, but have deeper serrations than the squash leaves, and are usually a darker green color.
• The vines are very hairy, rather plump and large, covered with soft hairs all over the leaves and vines. When touching them, they feel rough or slightly itchy.
• Mild taste, slightly naturally sweet
• Suitable for light dishes such as kaeng liang, stir-fried eggs or stir-fried with oyster sauce. The texture is slightly softer than that of pumpkin shoots and is not as crispy.

Benefits of pumpkin shoots

• High in vitamin A, helps nourish eyesight.
• High in dietary fiber, helps the digestive system and reduces constipation.
• Has natural diuretic properties.
• Low calories, suitable for people who are losing weight.
• Lactation booster:  This is another vegetable recommended for breastfeeding mothers because it is believed to stimulate milk production.

Precautions for pumpkin tops

• The soft hairs  must be watched out for the hairs covering the stems. Some people may have itchy hands or mouth irritation easily. The best way is to peel off all the hard fibers and hairs from the vines before cooking, which may take more time and steps than the pumpkin shoots.
• It should not be eaten raw.  It should always be cooked before consumption.

What is the top of the pumpkin (sweet bitter melon)?

Chayote shoots, or as some people call them, “sweet bitter melon shoots,” are the young shoots and young leaves of the Chayote plant, also known as bitter melon (Chayote). It is a very popular vegetable, especially in stir-fried dishes.

The distinctive features are:

• The leaves are thick, smooth, and slightly shiny. They are smaller than the pumpkin tops and are similar to morning glory leaves but slightly larger. They have 5 lobes or 5 angles and are bright green.
• No hair, easy to eat
• Sweet, crispy and refreshing taste
• Suitable for stir-fried dishes such as stir-fried garlic, stir-fried chili, stir-fried with oyster sauce. It is crispier and more bouncy than pumpkin shoots. When eating, you will hear a clear crispy sound.

Benefits of Pumpkin Shoots

• Helps reduce blood sugar (suitable for diabetics)
• Nourishes the intestines and helps with good bowel movements.
• Contains antioxidants that slow down aging.
• Enhance long-term immunity

Cautions for Pumpkin Seeds 

• It may have a bitter taste.  Sometimes, if it is not very fresh or not cooked well, it may have a slightly bitter taste.
• The whiskers  , although there are fewer hairs than the pumpkin tops, should be removed before cooking because the whiskers are quite tough and will get tangled in the food.

Comparison table between ” pumpkin tops ” and ” pumpkin tops “

Point of comparison	Pumpkin top	Pumpkin tops
Leaf characteristics	Wavy, slightly hairy	Smooth, shiny, hairless
Touch while eating	Soft, smooth, and easy on the throat.	Crisp, sweet and firm
Smell/taste	A light green scent	The smell is mild and the taste is sweeter.
Recommended menu	Gang Liang, Stir-fried Eggs, Clear Soup	Stir-fried with oyster sauce, stir-fried with chili, stir-fried with garlic
Key nutrients	Vitamin A, Magnesium	Vitamin C, high fiber

Summary: What should I choose to eat?

• If you want a light vegetable that is mildly fragrant, easy to eat, and has a high vitamin A content, and doesn’t have to be stripped of fiber —> choose “pumpkin shoots”.
• If you want crispy, sweet, fun to chew vegetables, high in fiber, and want convenience in preparation —> choose “pumpkin shoots”.

In fact, whether it is pumpkin shoots or pumpkin shoots, both types of vegetables can be eaten interchangeably . They are both healthy because they are vegetables that are very beneficial to health. You should choose according to the menu or personal preference.