Pumpkin-Packed Goodness
Fall is officially the season for pumpkin-flavored delights. In recent years, there’s been an explosion of pumpkin seasonings spanning far beyond Grandma’s traditional pumpkin pie. You might like to enjoy a pumpkin beer while watching football, a pumpkin-spice latte before your morning walk, or a plate of pumpkin ravioli for dinner. People simply can’t get enough of this vegetable packed with health benefits.
With a tasty orange-colored pulp, this low-calorie, fat-free squash plant is a source of heart-healthy potassium, iron, vision-boosting carotenes, and vitamins A, B6, and C. Canned pumpkin is a flavorful, fiber-rich ingredient to bulk up soups, bread, and spreads. It’s always fun, however, to bring home a whole pumpkin during the fall months, especially if you personally pick one from a local pumpkin patch. Your pumpkin will make for excellent fall décor until you’re ready to eat. After you’ve scooped out the super nutritious pulp from the thick shell, you and the kids can carve a Jack-o-lantern for your Halloween festivities. How many vegetables are this versatile and nutritious?
After carving your pumpkin, don’t forget to bake the seeds. Simply separate the seeds from the pulp, rinse, drain, dry, and toss seeds with light salt and melted butter or oil in a bowl. 
You may also want to add paprika or other seasonings for spice. Next, spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast at 300 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your desire for crispness. You may also want to toss midway through roasting. Keep an eye on the seeds for achieving a delicious golden-brown color.
Pumpkin lovers around the world would argue pumpkin is the best food for deliciousness and fun. Do you have a favorite way to enjoy pumpkin? Let us know via our Twitter or Facebook page. We strive to help our readers eat well, live long, and travel far!
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