Well Fall is finally here. I can't help but to think of pumpkins at this time of season. Pumpkins have been around forever. Before the pilgrims came Native American Indians used pumpkins not just for food but for material goods as well. The pilgrims soon learned from the Natives of how valuable pumpkins were. There are several kinds of pumpkins depending on the types. They can grow between 2-100 pounds. Here are a few that I found.
For Cooking: Buckskin, Chelsey, Dickinson Field, Kentucky Field
Standard Orange: grows between 2-5 pounds; Baby Bear, Baby Pam, Small Sugar
Standard Orange: grows between 8-15 pounds; Autumn gold,Frosty Face, Spirit
Standard Orange: grows between 15-25 pounds; Aspen, Big Autumn, Big Tom, Connecticut Field
When selecting a pumpkin for carving look for one that is healthy with a long stem. If it sounds mushy inside and rolls select another one. For cooking select one with the stem attached and no soft spots. It will keep up to one month at room temperature and three months refrigerated.
When you are ready to cook it cut the whole pumpkin in several large pieces removing the seeds and pith. Place the pieces skin side up in a large deep baking pan or roasting pan and fill with one inch of water. Cook 30 minutes until soft and remove to cool. Peel off the skin and cut in chunks and mash. Now you have fresh homemade pumpkin that you can use in your recipe.
Pumpkins are classified as gourd-like squash that are full of antioxidants and beta-carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in our bodies. One cup of cooked pumpkin has only 49 calories.
These wonderful orange gems can be made into pies, breads,soups, muffins and more.
Just about every town have a pumpkin patch that you can visit and purchase a pumpkin. There may be Organic pumpkin patches available in your area. If you want to explore more from your home check out this website at http://www.localharvest.org/ to see where they are located.
Yes! Fall is finally here and with it came golden sparkles of patches that have made me hungry right now for a pumpkin pie. Remember to check out the website for any local Organic pumpkin patches. Our local farmers will be so happy that you did. Getting to know who they are and supporting their efforts will encourage them to provide us a more healthy and nutritious living.
Have a safe and happy Fall!
Wishing You Well,
Sherlyn Edmonson
www.OrganicPurelyNatural.com
