5 fast facts about the pumpkin
- Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbita family, including squash and cucumbers.
- 80% of the US pumpkin supply is available in October.
- The largest pumpkin in history weighed 1,140 pounds!
- Jack-o-Lanterns originated from a Celtic celebration called Samhain, meaning “Summer’s End.” It was believed that passed souls were closest to contact and carved gourds would be set out as both a beacon to deceased loved ones and to ward off evil spirits.
- The pumpkin seeds are also edible and contain additional health benefits! Just 1-oz. of roasted seeds is an excellent source of fiber, zinc, and magnesium. Both zinc and magnesium play a vital role in the nervous system and DNA synthesis.
Pumpkin Pun:
What do you use to mend a broken jack-o-lantern?
A pumpkin patch!
Nutrient Highlights
- 1 cup of pureed pumpkin provides over 2x the daily recommendation Vitamin A! It is crucial to vision/eye health and also aids in immune function, skin and bone formation, and red blood cell formation.
- Pumpkins are packed with Vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting and building strong bones
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe:
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
After you carve pumpkins, save your seeds for a delicious and healthy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (from 1 medium pumpkin), rinsed and patted dry
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2-3 tsp desired seasonings (such as paprika and garlic, or cinnamon and nutmeg)
Directions:
To separate seeds from pumpkin “guts”, place in a large bowl of water; seeds will float to the top. Skim and pat dry. Heat oven to 300° F. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until dry throughout, 50 to 60 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 350° F. In a large bowl, toss the seeds with the oil and desired spices. Return the seeds to the baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown. Let cool 10 -15 minutes. Enjoy!
Topics: Healthy Recipes
