Pumpkins are everywhere! Pumpkins are the mother of all fruits. They present endless opportunities for creativity and carving, but they are also versatile, healthy and tasty. With Halloween season nearly upon us, the shops are soon going to start stocking stacks of these orange, big and beautiful squashes – however with our guide of really neat things you can do with a Pumpkin, not all those on the shelves will be destined to be hacked and placed in peoples windows this October. We thought we would celebrate the Pumpkin by giving you ideas on how to use this delicious fall fruit.
Get Baking and Cooking!
Pumpkin Stew – Small sugar pumpkins make seasonally appropriate and cute bowls for serving a hearty stew. Simply cut off the tops and spread oil and seasoning inside. Bake them for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees and once cooled, add your pumpkin stew made with some scooped out filling from the center. Not only will this look fantastic on your table, the edible bowl also provides a sweet-savory taste to the meal.
Pumpkin Jam – An absolutely delicious fall spread. Made by scooping out the squash and simmering along with sugar, a little pectin (so it will set up), cinnamon and freshly grated ginger. This can make a really tasty alternative to the normal strawberry or raspberry preserves. Serve on warm bread for a perfect spread.
The Salad Bar – When fruits and vegetables are eaten raw this is usually because their nutritional qualities are much more pronounced. However their raw flavors don’t appeal to all which is why we usually juice them, yet pumpkins are different. They are naturally tasty! Why not try grating some pumpkin to accompany a salad for a light and healthy lunch?
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – The absolute best part of pumpkin season are the seeds. Scoop out the middle and all the seeds. Separate any of the flesh from the seeds and allow the seeds to dry out overnight. Drizzle with olive oil (or melted butter) and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning to coat. Bake for 7 – 10 minutes (375F), until brown and crispy.
Get Pampered!
For the Hair – Pumpkins make hair stronger and shinier. To make your hair mask, combine one cup of fresh (cooked) pumpkin with 4 tbsp of coconut oil into a blender. The mixture should be of a creamy consistency, much like a conditioner. Apply to the hair and cover with plastic wrap, or a shower cap, and leave for around 30 minutes. After a wash and rinse, your hair will be full of life and is guaranteed to look beautiful.
For the Face – One of the reasons that Pumpkins are so healthy to eat is because of all the high quality nutrients within the pulse and seeds, particularly zinc and vitamin C. These are two things that are also especially good for the skin and can greatly aid skin that’s sensitive, dry or sun-damaged. To use these benefits within your DIY face mask simply take 2 pureed Tablespoons of pureed pumpkin, add a touch of honey and milk and and spread the mixture on your face. Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off and releasing a fresh new glow!
Get Crafty!
The fall break from school can be a long one. With the weather preventing many days out you can feel limited with how to entertain the kids. However, pumpkins provide a solution! They’re big and bulky, ideal for small hands to handle, and their shiny peel means that they can be washed or wiped clean to provide the canvas for many new artistic designs!
