Nothing but Pumpkin

October is one of my favorite months. Not just because of Halloween (my favorite holiday) but because of pumpkin! One of my favorite fall vegetables. I enjoy many things pumpkin, although at times I feel that we may go overboard with everything pumpkin. Nonetheless, it's still a reason to celebrate this awesome crop. If you don't like it, you can just use it as decor.

 

Nutritionally, pumpkin is from the squash family (see previous post on winter squash). It's low in calories at 50 kcal per cup (cooked), high in fiber and rich with antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals. It contains one of the highest levels of vitamin A, that is important for wound healing, healthy skin and healthy eye sight. Moreover, it contains many of the B vitamins such as folic acid, thiamine, B6, etc. Pumpkins are also rich with minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus that help us to keep healthy bones, among other things. Pumpkin seeds should also be used since they are rich with magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and niacin.

Here are ways and recipes to incorporate pumpkins in your diet:

• Pumpkin pancakes
• Pumpkin ravioli 
• Red lentil and pumpkin soup
• Pumpkin pie shake
• Spiced pumpkin seeds
• Pumpkin shrimp curry

Roasted pumpkin

1 medium size pumpkin (about 6-8 lbs) peeled and diced

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

0.5 tsp sea salt

0.5 tsp pepper

3 Tbsp of fresh or dried rosemary

2 Tbsp dried marjoram

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. 

Spread the seasoned pumpkin on a baking tray and bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until soft. 

Make sure you enjoy this vegetable before it's gone! I know I will. Happy Halloween