Pumpkins

Taste: Pumpkins have a taste similar to other squash, but are sightly softer and sweeter.

Nutritional Info:

• Pumpkin is rich in trytophan, an amino acid which gets converted to serotonin, a “feel good” neurotransmitter that helps you settle down, unwind and doze off to sleep

• Contains the antioxidant, Beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been associated with its ability to fend of cancer

• With only 42 calories per cup and loaded with fiber, pumpkin will keep you full longer, and regulate your blood sugar levels to keep food cravings at bay which helps you eat fewer calories and burn more fat

When to Look for Pumpkins: Pumpkins take up to 100 days to grow, so they generally appear at markets in the fall, right in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Best Uses for Pumpkins: Obviously pumpkins are fantastic for putting in pie, but pumpkin is also tasty in savory dishes. Pair it with curry spices or puree into a soup for a warm fall treat. 

How to Store Pumpkins: To store for longer than a week, pumpkins need to be kept cool (not frozen). If you have a cold room or cellar, keep your pumpkins there to extend their life. Pumpkin can also be chopped into small pieces and frozen so you have it throughout the winter.