Nothing is more synonymous with the month of October and Halloween celebrations than pumpkins. These cheerful orange globes ripen up and are ready to harvest starting around mid-September. Their growing season can last through November depending on nighttime temperatures and the arrival of the first frost. A member of the squash family, pumpkins are a plant species native to North America that is believed to have originated here approximately 9,000 years ago. They were an important crop for Native Americans who employed the pulp of the fruit in many dishes, added the blossoms to soups, turned dried pumpkin into flour, and ate the seeds as a nutritious snack. Today, pumpkin is widely consumed and enjoyed by many Americans in the form of pumpkin pie, pancakes, muffins and, of course, those ubiquitous pumpkin spice lattes (yes, Starbucks does actually include real pumpkin puree in their proprietary formula!). So, while pumpkin primetime remains underway this fall, here are some pumpkiny pursuits to peruse: Plastic free décor If you’re anything like me, you worry about the plastic footprint of your holiday decorations and try to avoid or minimize the use of plastic string lights, inflatables and other artificial pieces. The pumpkins from your farmers market are not only native and locally grown, they also offer an attractive, seasonal and plastic-free way to decorate for the fall. Simply plop a pumpkin or two outside your front door or somewhere on your porch, or make a more elaborate display using a few gourds, pots of mums and perhaps a haybale, and, boo(m), you’re ready for those hordes of Trick or Treaters and it can even last you through Thanksgiving. Jack-o’-Lanterns The tradition of creating Jack-o’-Lanterns for Halloween originated in Ireland, where people carved ghoulish faces into turnips to frighten off a character named Stingy Jack whose soul had been left to wander the earth for eternity holding a piece of burning coal. When Irish immigrants arrived at these shores, they began to cut jack-o’-lanterns out of pumpkins which they found growing wild throughout this region. Carving pumpkins into demonic faces and other spooky designs for Halloween is always guaranteed to be a surefire hit with the kids! When purchasing a pumpkin destined for the carving block, ask the farmer to direct you to their selection of larger “carving pumpkins” versus “pie pumpkins” which are typically a fleshier, sweeter variety. Pumpkin for people and pets Pumpkins are an autumnal superfood! Every single part of a pumpkin is edible: the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and stems. Pumpkin is a naturally low-calorie food – it only becomes calorific when combined with the fat and sugar in many recipes like pumpkin pie. While pumpkins are made up of 92 percent water, they are an excellent nutrient-dense source of potassium, vitamin A and beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant. Pumpkins are also fiber powerhouses, with a single cup clocking in at seven grams of fiber which is more than two slices of whole-grain bread. Pumpkin is not only good for you, it’s also good for Fido and Felix! Cooked pumpkin can be fed to both cats and dogs to aid in weight loss, improve digestive health and supplement their diet. A feast for wildlife Once the season has ended and pumpkins are past their prime, don’t just toss them in the trash! As long as they are not painted or coated, pumpkins can be added to your compost or food scrap recycling. Even better though is to place unadulterated pumpkins somewhere in your yard that is safely accessible to local wildlife, where they will make a tasty treat for a variety of birds and small mammals such as chipmunks and squirrels. The nutritious seeds are especially appealing to these critters who will chew through the flesh to get at the inner jackpot. But once the seeds are gone, they will also feast on and enjoy the pulpy flesh. And, presto, just like that your pumpkin will have vanished without leaving a trace or any signs of waste.
