It is possible to state that the C. moschata ‘Menina
Brasileira’ and C. maxima ‘Exposic¸a˜ o’ pumpkin purees
were obtained with a good yield through commercial
sterilisation with a simple and low-cost process, which is
favourable for small- and medium-sized agro-industries,
and these purees may be used as intermediates for
production of yogurt, ice cream, jam and other food
products, as well as for direct consumption. Both purees
showed good concentrations of carotenoids, thus suggesting
that it is a good source of such compounds,
especially the ‘Menina Brasileira’ pumkin puree, which
has a concentration of carotenoids about 60% higher
than the ‘Exposic¸a˜ o’ pumpkin puree. The results also
showed the stability of the pumpkin purees throughout
180 days, which, in the case of this product, is a
reasonable storage period in ambient conditions. It is
possible that, because of the characteristics of these