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Pumpkins 101: A Complete Guide to Fall’s Favorite Fruit

verdanttfresh

Updated: Nov 1, 2024

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we’re all drawn to fall’s cozy delights – and nothing embodies the spirit of the fall season quite like the pumpkin! This vibrant orange squash brings color, flavor, and tradition to autumn, inspiring everything from delicious dishes to home décor to an iconic glow-in-the-dark craft – you could say it the pumpkin is quintessentially autumn. At Verdantt Fresh, we want to help you embrace the multifaceted use of the pumpkin, a true icon of the season.


The Rise of the Pumpkin


The word “pumpkin” originates from “peopon,” which means “large melon” in Greek. Pumpkins have been grown in North America for over 5,000 years and were a staple crop for Indigenous tribes long before European settlers arrived. Native Americans used pumpkins for food, medicine, and even crafting materials, eating the flesh and seeds, and using the shells as containers or drying them out to create bowls. When settlers arrived, they quickly adapted this hearty vegetable into their diet, giving rise to recipes like pumpkin pie, which remains a Thanksgiving classic today.


Technically speaking, pumpkins are a fruit and are a part of the Cucurbitaceae family, sharing genetic roots with cucumbers and melons. From their early days as wild, hard-skinned squash to the familiar varieties we see today, pumpkins have adapted to different climates and regions worldwide, making it one of the most widely grown vegetables globally.


What Makes Pumpkins so Popular


Though pumpkins can technically be grown year-round, they’re affiliated with fall for a few reasons. Every year, the US produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin. 80 percent of this yield is ripe for picking in one single month of the year — October, resulting in a bounty that aligns perfectly with fall festivities.


From Halloween jack-o’-lanterns to pumpkin pie on the Thanksgiving table, pumpkins play a starring role in seasonal celebrations. Their rich orange color also embodies the warm, earthy tones of autumn, making them a natural choice for decorating homes, porches, and storefronts. However, over 45 different varieties of pumpkin exist, ranging in colors from orange, red, yellow to green, with specific names like Hooligan, Cotton Candy, and Orange Smoothie.


Beyond Pie: Culinary Uses for Pumpkin


While pumpkin pie might be the first dish that comes to mind, pumpkins are far more versatile in the kitchen. Every single part of a pumpkin is edible: the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and stems. Pumpkins are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin A and beta-carotene, the antioxidant that gives orange produce its vibrant color.


Here are some creative ways to enjoy this seasonal treat:


  • Savory Dishes: Pumpkin’s mild flavor and creamy texture make it a perfect base for soups, stews, and risottos. We love this pumpkin curry for a hearty fall meal. 

  • Breakfast Boost: Pumpkin purée can be added to oatmeal for a nutrient-packed morning boost. If you're a smoothie fan, add ¼ cup of pumpkin per 8 oz serving to your favorite morning beverage for a boost of vitamin A. You can even add pumpkin to your store-bought pancake or waffle mix for added flavor and moistness.

    • In case you didn’t know…fresh foods generally have a higher nutrient content in comparison to canned foods. But in this case, both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin are equally packed with nutrients! 

  • Snacks: Did you know one pumpkin contains about 500 perfectly edible seeds? Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are a snack in their own right, rich in protein, magnesium, and antioxidants while being relatively low in calories. Roast them at 350°F with your favorite spices for a crunchy, wholesome treat. We recommend curry powder, pumpkin spice, or chili powder!

  • Pumpkin Purée: Homemade pumpkin purée can be used in place of butter or oil in baking, providing a subtle flavor and velvety texture to muffins, breads, and more.

  • Sweet Treats: Of course, pumpkin shines in desserts, from classic pumpkin pie and spiced pumpkin bread to pumpkin cheesecakes and custards. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brings out its naturally sweet flavor. 

    • Quick tip: Large pumpkins are great for decor, but stick to smaller sugar pumpkins for pies and other baked goods!


Beyond the Kitchen: Creative Ways to Use Pumpkins All Season


Consider these creative ways to incorporate pumpkin into your home and lifestyle this fall season:


  • Natural Skincare: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin acts as a natural exfoliant, brightening and moisturizing the skin. Many DIY pumpkin face masks and scrubs can be made at home by blending pumpkin purée with honey or yogurt.

  • Home Decor: Pumpkins are a beautiful and inexpensive way to decorate your home for fall. Arrange them on porches, steps, or as centerpieces to bring the warmth of autumn indoors. 

  • Gardening & Composting: Once Halloween is over, don’t toss that pumpkin! Decompose it in your garden or use it as compost to enrich the soil for future planting.

  • Bird Feeder: Carved pumpkins can be repurposed as bird feeders. Simply fill with seeds and place it outside – a treat for wildlife!

  • Allow your pup to get in on the seasonal fun! All parts of the pumpkin are also 100% safe for dogs to consume. 


Why the Verdantt Team Loves Pumpkin


At Verdantt Fresh, we believe in celebrating seasonal ingredients that benefit both our bodies and our environment. Pumpkins are a sustainable, nutritious vegetable that can be grown locally, minimizing environmental impact. They also offer a variety of options with every part of the fruit offering utility, making them the ideal addition to fresh food vending options. As we continue to bring freshness to your fingertips, pumpkins inspire us to create versatile, health-forward food experiences that reflect the best of each season! Enjoy!

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