Don't want to waste that beautiful Hallowe'en pumpkin? There are plenty of delicious uses for your jack-o'-lantern once October 31 has passed. Even better, whether you make pumpkin pie, muffins, bread or soup, you and your family will be enjoying the flavor and the super nutritional value of this cheerful orange squash.
Pumpkin Nutritional Value
Pumpkin comes from the same melon family as gourds, squashes, zucchini and cucumber. It grows all over the world – on six continents – and has many nutritional properties and health benefits, including:
- rich in proteins that are antiviral and antifungal
- high in vitamin A, potassium, iron, and other vitamins and minerals
- regulates digestion and has traditionally been used to expel intestinal parasites
- contains chemicals that inhibit the growth of candida (yeast infection) and other harmful bacteria
Pumpkin has been used in the traditional medicine of cultures all over the world, from China and India to North and South America. Research shows that this harvest fruit can restore the health of the pancreas in diabetics and aid in digestion.
Pumpkin Seeds Health Benefits
Pumpkin seeds may be the best parts of the plant, with their own list of valuable nutrients and health benefits:
- high in protein and fiber
- rich in essential fatty acids
- high in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, beta carotene, and iron as well as anti-aging antioxidants
Pumpkin seed oil is often used in salad dressings, sauces, and in baking and cooking. It has a dense, nutty flavor and is an ideal source of omega fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds and oil are used to combat kidney disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and bladder problems. For more information on using pumpkin and other foods medicinally, please consult a naturopathic doctor or other holistic health expert.
Cooking with Hallowe'en Pumpkin
Fresh pumpkin can be used in all kinds of recipes, from soup to baked goods. If a recipe calls for cooked or canned pumpkin, it's easy to boil pieces of fresh pumpkin in a large pot of water for about 25 minutes or until it's tender enough to mash, then use in recipes as you would canned pumpkin.
It's also very simple to make roasted pumpkin seeds in the oven. Once your jack-o'-lantern has been carved and hollowed out, sort through the pumpkin's innards and separate the seeds from the pulp. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds with salt, spices, or sugar and bake them on a cookie sheet for about 25 minutes at 325 F, turning them after about 15 minutes to brown evenly. Then dig in and enjoy!
Sources:
- Reynolds, Denise, "The Medicinal Qualities of the Pumpkin," eMaxHealth.com, 29 October 2009.
- Zeratsky, Katherine, "Canned Pumpkin: Better than Fresh?" MayoClinic.com, 17 October 2009.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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