Pumped for Pumpkins

Are you pumped for pumpkins?! We are! Pumpkins harvest between September and October in New York. Pumpkins can serve so many purposes and can be found at farmers’ markets, farm stands, grocery stores, and pumpkin patches for a reasonable price. Another option is to grow your own pumpkin by saving the seeds and planting for next years harvest.

Pumpkins can be more than just a decoration; they are also tasty and nutritious! If you choose to carve your pumpkin, try saving the seeds to prepare for a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Experiment with cooking your pumpkin seeds with different seasonings, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, garlic powder, or chili powder. Here is a simple recipe for preparing pumpkin seeds: https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/recipe/roasted-pumpkin-seeds

Pumpkins grown for carving are often large and have a thinner wall of flesh. These pumpkins can be cooked but the texture and flavor are not as good as other types of pumpkins. If you wish to cook pumpkin, try a ‘pie pumpkin.’ These pumpkins usually weigh 2-10 pounds and create a smooth and flavorful puree. When selecting a pumpkin, select one that is firm and without cracks or soft spots. You can save the seeds from your pumpkin to harvest new pumpkins for next year. Here is a recipe for preparing your own pumpkin puree from scratch: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pumpkin-puree-recipe-1922629

If you love the taste of pumpkins outside of the harvest season, try canned pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin puree is available year-round in most grocery stores. An unopened can of pumpkin will last 5 years if stored properly and the can has no dents, rust, or swelling. Once you open the can, it can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Here is a tasty recipe that uses can pumpkin puree: https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/crustless-pumpkin-pie