Post-Harvest Storage and Processing of Pumpkin as a Means of Wealth Generation for Select Communities in Northern Nigeria

Background: Pumpkin covers a wide range of species of the family cucurbitaceae that are regarded as vegetable plants, which play significant role in human nutrition and economic development. Pumpkin seed oils are rich in bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, sterols, β-carotene, and lutein that have some fatty acids, with high nutritional value. Moreover pumpkin has a high water content that contributes to its massive spoilage especially in the hot season which results in huge economic loss annually. That is why adopting strategies to prevent its spoilage is in urgently needed. Objective: The goal of this study is to highlight the simple and efficient method of processing pumpkin flesh in to powder, processing dehydrated pumpkin as well as extraction oil from pumpkin seed. Method: The researchers review on oven baking method for processing pumpkin flesh in to powder, red algae extraction method for preserving pumpkin flesh and soxhlet extractor as method as an effective for extraction oil from pumpkin seed. Result: The result of this review article provided an effective means of preventing pumpkin from spoilage, making it available all year round, increasing its economic value, provide a means of production valuable products such as medicine, cosmetics, as well as healthy nutrition. Conclusion: The review provided an insight to the community by providing a solution to manage the huge economic loss as a result of insufficient storage and preservation of pumpkin which serve as an opportunities for individual that need to engage in entrepreneurship. Unique Contribution: This study offered an effective method of preventing pumpkin from spoilage, which enhance its economic values and contribute to societal development Key Recommendation: A comprehensive training program focusing on post-harvest handling and processing will be of great importance.