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Feature Articles Food, Fitness, and
Holidays The Many Uses of PumpkinBy Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD,
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The most popular use of pumpkins may be for jack-o-lanterns and fall decorations, but there are many more healthful ways pumpkin can be used. When eaten, pumpkin provides vitamin A, potassium, protein, and vitamin C. Pumpkin is also low in calories.
When choosing a pumpkin for cooking, choose a small pumpkin that
weighs between two and six pounds. Look for one that has one or
two inches of stem left. Pumpkins with shorter stems decay more
quickly. Choose a pumpkin that has a rich orange color with skin
that cannot be easily broken or scratched by your fingernail.
If you want your pumpkin to have multiple uses, you can first
paint a funny face on it for a decoration using non-toxic
paints. After the holiday, you can wash and cook it. When
selecting a pumpkin for cooking, “pie pumpkin” or “sweet
pumpkin” is a good choice but the jack-o-lantern variety also
works just fine for eating. For every pound of whole pumpkin,
you can expect to get one cup of pumpkin puree.
To maximize the use of your pumpkin, start by removing the stem
with a sharp knife. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the
seeds and scrape the stringy part away. Wash the seeds in warm
water and spread them out to dry. To roast, spray pan with oil
and spread seeds thinly on the pan. Salt, or any seasoning that
appeals to you (cheesy popcorn or cajun seasoning) can be
sprinkled on. Bake in a 250 degree oven 15-20 minutes.
There are three ways to prepare the pumpkin so you can get
pumpkin puree. To bake it, cut the pumpkin in half and place the
pumpkin, cut side down on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees
until fork tender or about an hour. To microwave it, place the
cut side of half of the pumpkin on a microwave safe plate and
microwave on high for fifteen minutes or until fork tender. To
boil, cut the pumpkin into large chunks and rinse in cold water.
Place the chunks in a large pot in about an inch of water. Cover
the pot and boil for 20-30 minutes until tender. To make the
puree, cool and peel the pumpkin and use a food processor,
blender, ricer or a potato masher.
Pumpkin puree can be used in any recipe in which you use
purchased pumpkin. Pumpkin puree can be frozen at 0 degrees for
up to one year. If you run out of time and energy before you
start the puree process remember, pumpkins can be stored for
several months if kept at 50-55 degrees in a dry airy place.
Last update: Monday, August 07, 2006
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