In October lots of Halloween-themed products are sold, and it is the best time of the year to eat savory pumpkin sweets. However, you may feel some of them are a little expensive in Japan. A piece of a pumpkin cake or tart can be purchased for more than 300 yen on average if you go to a confectionery shop. Some shops offer that kind of sweets at about 400 yen, but you can get this pudding for only 200 yen at 7-Eleven, a perfect place to satisfy your cravings for this golden orange hued dessert.
In Japan, pumpkin is called kabocha, a word of Portuguese origins, and first used in the Japanese diet from the 16th century. The best kabocha for desserts are those that are ripened in a warm place for up to two weeks, allowing some of the starch to convert to sugar. Nevertheless, this pumpkin pudding contains only 181 calories, so it can be a guilt free dessert as well. It is also a rich source of calcium, potassium and phosphorus, as well as antioxidants and vitamins.
You can taste a high-quality, vividly-colored pumpkin as it is and enjoy its natural sweetness. The fragrance and mellowness of the pumpkin will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. A slightly bitter caramel sauce that goes well with the rich pudding is in the bottom of the cup. The bitterness of the sauce accentuates the flavor of the pudding. A smooth cream that melts in the mouth is whipped beautifully on top. The milkiness of the cream will pleasantly fill your mouth. The smoothness of the cream and the richness of the pudding are a great combination. You can make the pudding even more delicious if you put roasted pumpkin seeds on the cream. I took a few of the seeds out of a bag of fruit granola and added them to the topping. Each of the seeds, whipped cream and pudding make a great taste together. Even if you don't have plans for Halloween, you can feel festive by just having this pudding.
