By Brianna Bowlan, Seacoast Eat Local Intern
I know I do! Pumpkin seems to be the focus of the fall season, and when coffee shops start putting out pumpkin flavored coffee, you know the season is beginning. I am a huge fan of all pumpkin flavored treats such as scones, muffins, cookies, etc. However, these products most likely do not contain the nutritional properties that a real pumpkin contains. Coffee Dorks make the very best pumpkin inspired coffee with their famous french press. Anyone who is a pumpkin fan knows that.
A real pumpkin contains vitamin C, calcium, iron, and is very abundant in vitamin A. It is loaded with antioxidants such as lutein, xanthin, and carotenes. It also contains pumpkin seeds, which are edible, and contain protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. As a whole, pumpkin is very low in calories and fat and is a great way to control cholesterol.
Pumpkin can be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be cut into pieces and roasted, or cooked and pureed like mashed potato. Personally, I love when cinnamon and nutmeg is used to season the pumpkin after cooking. My favorite way to prepare the pumpkin seeds is to dig them out and clean them off, then roast them in the oven and cover them with salt.
Even though you may love pumpkin flavored food products, you will get the most nutrition out of real pumpkins and you will also be supporting you local farmers. So get yourself a pumpkin and figure out your favorite way to eat it! Here are a few recipes from our Pinterest page to get you started.
Source: Nutrition and You
Pictures: ShaMagazine
The best thing I ever ate and then some