A delight called the pumpkin flower
Pumpkin flower fritters, an irresistible combination
The favourite flower of Calabrians is the pumpkin flower. Whether fried, stuffed, or added to a salad or turned into a tasty pancake, it can satisfy both the young and old. The Calabrian-style pumpkin fritters, included simple and genuine ingredients, which can be enjoyed both as an appetizer and as a side dish.
The traditional recipe
In Calabria, the fritters are a classic summer dish, starting in June, and ending in September, when the zucchini flowers colours the gardens. The farmers in the area often give customers the pumpkin flowers, or, at the most, sell a bag full of fresh flowers for only a few euro, which will become tasty and crispy fritters. The typical recipe does not include fillings or the addition of special ingredients other than a creamy batter enriched with pecorino cheese and thinly sliced courgette.
DID YOU KNOW THAT …?
Pumpkin flower fritters are a delicious side dish that goes well with local cured meats. To obtain an even crispier and leavened dough, the secret is to add sparkling to natural water.
Keyword: freshness!
Pumpkin flowers, to be appreciated in all their delicate and tasty goodness, must necessarily be eaten fresh. It contains a good amount of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B9, and C, in addition to excellent levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Moreover, the yellow-orange colour is an indication of the presence of carotenoids, which activates a fundamental anti-tumour property.
