Nutritional Value and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh Pumpkin Flowers (Cucurbita sp.) Grown in Poland

Pumpkin flowers, in their composition, contain many bioactive ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the human body. The aim of research was to evaluate antioxidant activity and chemical composition flowers various species varieties pumpkins: Amazonka, Ambar, Atlantic Giant, Bambino (Cucurbita maxima L.), Butternut, Muscade de Provence, Rouge vif d’Etampes moschata Duch.), Miranda (Cucurbia pepo L.). came from flowering pumpkin shoots, grown Poland (Krakow). total polyphenols, carotenoids, sugar contents, activity, fatty acid were determined. content dry matter, protein, ash, fat, selected minerals also Giant variety characterized by highest polyphenols sugars activity. They showed percentage n-myristic (C14:0) docosanoic (C22:0). energy value fresh all varieties, low averaged 22 kcal/100 g. Fresh are significant source iron, covering 60–80% EAR standard for adults (Atlantic varieties).