Give ’em pumpkin to talk about
Give ’em pumpkin to talk about
This is the season for pumpkins and spice and everything nice and as farmers we just love seeing the magnificent pumpkin receive well deserved recognition. We believe that nature provides all of the nutrients our body needs by eating in harmony with the seasons and consuming pumpkin now is no exception. Pumpkin contains vitamin C,… Read More »
This is the season for pumpkins and spice and everything nice and as farmers we just love seeing the magnificent pumpkin receive well deserved recognition. We believe that nature provides all of the nutrients our body needs by eating in harmony with the seasons and consuming pumpkin now is no exception. Pumpkin contains vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folate which may strengthen your immune system in preparation for the colder months ahead. Pumpkin contains fiber and protein to help you feel full longer, which may help reduce your calorie intake as we naturally become less active and begin to spend more time indoors with the onset of colder weather.
It’s so very easy, and healthy, to make your own pumpkin puree and you can
experiment with different varieties of pumpkin and squash making it truly your own. Adding your pumpkin puree to favorite recipes is a great way to increase nutrition and fiber while also eating in season. Pumpkin puree can be used in a variety of ways including; making homemade smoothies, adding it to sauces, potato dishes, dips, soups, stews & chilis. It’s also a great addition to baked goods as a replacement for oil or butter. Try adding pumpkin puree to your bars, cookies, muffins, breads, cakes, pancakes, waffles or crepes for a delicious and low fat seasonal flare. It also tastes great in yogurts or cottage cheese for a healthy snack and don’t forget you can also use the seeds! Try adding your puree to your mac and cheese as a substitute for some of the cheese, making it a lighter, healthier meal. Pumpkin puree can also be added to your dog’s food to aid their health as well.
Miss Jenn, our culinary and educational specialist offers her great tips and suggestions on how to easily make a pumpkin puree for using now or freezing and adding to recipes later. Jenn recommends softening the pumpkin in the microwave for a few minutes to make it easier to cut, poke holes with a fork first. Once softened, slice the pumpkin and place face down on a baking sheet after you have removed the seeds and pulp. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes until the pumpkin is fork tender. Remove the skins and place pumpkin in a food processor or mash by hand. Add seasonings to taste and there you have your own pumpkin puree ready to freeze or use now in your recipes. You may add a variety of squash to this recipe if
you are looking to add more color and taste variety to your puree. Watch this short how-to video for inspiration. Once you have made your own pumpkin puree try using it in this Pumpkin Gnocchi recipe and eat in season along with us!
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours!
