Nothing says Autumn better than the site of a pumpkin. Personally speaking, this type of squash puts a big smile on my face as I know that the tumultuous Texas summer has finally come to an end, and cooler weather is coming.
Pumpkins Pack a Punch!
Pumpkins are considered to be a nutritional powerhouse! Your immune system will flourish due to the high amounts of carotenoids found in pumpkins. Beta-carotene is also present in pumpkins, which is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and preventative for the build-up of cholesterol on arterial walls. And the ladies will love this! The alpha-carotene found in pumpkins is believed to slow to the process of aging. Pumpkins have a powerful supply of Vitamin A (2650 IU) making it a natural way to get a good supply of vitamins to help with eyesight and related eye problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. This is also a good source of fiber (3 grams), and carbohydrates (12 grams).
Since pumpkins are so readily available, why not take advantage of their versatility and use them to make some welcome pumpkin snacks, can pumpkin for your deep larder or surprise your family with a pumpkin feast for dinner.
- Use a pumpkin for cooking to add lots of flavor to soups, bread, and dinners. Here are some recipes to peruse over for some future meal preparations. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a favorite Autumn snack in my family. Once the Jack-o-Lantern has been carved we save the seeds, season them and slowly roast them in the oven. Here are some great recipes for roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Pumpkin Seed Brittle is a delicious and sweet alternative to the roasted seeds. Here is a great recipe to surprise your family with.
- Canning pumpkin is a great way to preserve this great tasting gourd for later use. Here is a recipe I found for canning pumpkin. Note: Get your pressure cookers ready!
- Using pumpkin for a beauty treatment will soften the skin, provide anti-aging agents to improve the look of your skin and provide the face with an added vitamin regimen.
- Use pumpkin for animal feed. Chickens and goats love pumpkin, and the added vitamins and nutrients will benefit them in the long run.
Who knew that pumpkins had so many uses? Just remember to save some seeds for next year to plant in your garden.
I’d be inclined to recommend either Triamble, Queensland blue or Long pie pumpkins, if you are going to grow your own. These varieties have a lower water content, and a nuttier flavor. I grow Triambles, which really do keep for up to two years without going bad. I grow them on trellises tied with chiffon fabric for support to save space. The fabric is attractive, and more importantly, dries immediately. Slicing your pumpkin thin, and using a food dehydrator, will save you space in the freezer, and reconstitutes well for puree’, soups, and pies.
Thanks Jasmine for the comment. These are great tips and I will definately keep them in mind for future pumpkin harvests.
It always bothers me when people throw their halloween pumpkins away. Thanks for the great post.
I also use them as ammo for my trebuchet!