Did you know that we grow ten million pumpkins each year in the UK? And that figure is set to rise further as Halloween becomes increasingly popular. Most of us think of pumpkins as hollowed out lanterns that have the power to ward off evil spirits, but there is so much more to them than that, and they can be surprisingly healthy for us too. They have to be one of the most undervalued fruits available.
Pumpkins are part of the squash family, and they have a sweet, nutty flavour. Not as sweet as butternut squash but tasty enough to be the main ingredient in a host of recipes. Pumpkin Pie is probably the best-known one, but others worth a try include pumpkin and bacon soup and our very own delicious Pumpkin Granola.
Pumpkin flesh is high in vitamins A and C as well as containing fatty acids that can help to keep your heart healthy and boost the immune system. Rollagranola Pumpkin Seeds are rich in zinc and proteins that can help your body recover after a workout. The seeds are simple to use as well. Try sprinkling them onto a salad or stirring them in yoghurt.
The vast majority of pumpkins become lanterns and nothing else with tens of thousands of tonnes of the flesh and seeds going to waste. That is such a shame. Now is an excellent time to get creative and produce a Halloween feast that is fiendishly tasty.
Be careful, though as some pumpkins are grown primarily for carving, and they can be watery and fibrous. Look out for edible pumpkins in your local supermarket to get the best of both worlds.
We all know that Halloween is going to be very different this year, but there is no reason why you cannot still fill it with fun while also staying safe and healthy.
Why not try this healthy homemade granola recipe?