The pumpkin. It has become a symbol of harvest, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and can be found in a variety of colors: orange (the one everyone knows), white, tan, and rarely seen red, and blue. But what exactly is a pumpkin? According to Wikipedia, “a pumpkin is a gourd-like squash…and is native to North America.” The University of Illinois published a list of facts about pumpkins, which includes how they “…contain potassium and vitamin A….are used for feed for animals….Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.” And so, the tradition continues with stores everywhere displaying bountiful arrangements of pumpkins signaling the upcoming holidays. Growing up, I always looked forward to this time of year with the smells of baking bread, cinnamon, cloves, apples, and pumpkin greeting me as I arrived home from school. Weekends were spent playing with friends, running and trudging through piles of orange and yellow leaves or visiting family.
Oh, and just in case life has kept you busy and not calendar-watching, Halloween is just around the corner (next Wednesday). Eek!
If you only use your pumpkin(s) for display (non-carved) and don’t think you can use them for anything else, I have a delicious recipe to share for roasted pumpkin. This can be turned into a puree to be used in waffles, pie, ice cream, coffee creamer (think of the popular fall coffee beverage available), even add it to your cat or dog’s wet food (aids with any digestion problems such as constipation and diarrhea). Just make sure it is not soft or moldy; if so, discard and buy a fresh one.
If you are interested in growing your own pumpkins, here is a great online guide (and link) for anyone living in one of the recommended zones for pumpkin growing: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/growing.htm . Not sure what your growing or hardiness zone is? Go to http://www.garden.org/zipzone/ and type in your zip code.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/pumpkins/facts.cfm
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-three-health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-dogs.html
http://www.pumpkinnook.com/growing.htm
http://www.garden.org/zipzone/
Roasted Pumpkin
- Pumpkin
- Chef knife
- Cutting board
- Stabilization for cutting board (non-slip shelf liner or damp kitchen towel)
- Large spoon, for scraping
- Parchment
- Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
- Large bowl
When you are ready to roast your pumpkin, make sure you wash it well to prevent any dirt and bacteria from being transmitted to the inside cut surface. Remember, just because something is labeled as “organic” does not mean it is exempt from any nasty little bugs that may be lurking on the surface. After all, it was grown in or around soil, and it had to be picked (possibly by machine), and was definitely placed by someone into that nice arrangement at the store, and then picked up and admired by countless people before you decided it was perfect to bring home. Right?
Using a sharp chef knife cut off the top of the pumpkin around the stem like you would for a jack-o-lantern. Set the top on a rimmed parchment-lined baking sheet.
Next, place the pumpkin on the cutting board and cut the pumpkin in half.
Using a spoon (or your hands – depends on how messy you want to get), scrape the seeds and membrane out and set aside for making roasted pumpkin seeds (recipe coming later).
Place the cut halves on the rimmed baking sheet.
Bake in a 325 F degree oven for about 50-60 minutes. Use a sharp knife to pierce the flesh to test if done. It should slide in easily (like butter).
Remove from oven and allow the pumpkin to cool.
Using the spoon, scrape the pumpkin from the skin into the large bowl. Good use for the skin – compost.
Once done, place the pumpkin into the food processor, filling it about halfway. Puree until smooth.
If you are going to use the pumpkin right away, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Otherwise it can be frozen for later use. Best way I found was to freeze in one cup batches in a plastic freezer bag. Pumpkin pie uses 2 cups; pumpkin waffles/pancakes/muffins usually use 1 cup (recipes may vary)
Mange!
edible euphoria 