It’s that time of the year when you can find pumpkins around just about every corner. From farmer’s markets and pumpkin patches to grocery stores and fall festivals. For those who are close enough to Circleville, the Pumpkin Show attracts thousands for their 4-day event but as many of you know, it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Whether you attend the Pumpkin Show or just enjoy eating “pumpkin-spiced” everything, these round gourds have become a HUGE hit. Besides traditional pumpkin-spiced coffee and lattes, these great orange-hued vegetables called pumpkins have a lot going for them.
Keep reading to discover five ways that pumpkins can pack a powerful punch. From nutrition to natural décor, incorporate a few pumpkins into your life this fall…even if your favorite outdoor festival or “show” had to be canceled because of the 2020 virus.
1. Bursting with Vitamins and Minerals
Pumpkins are powerhouses when it comes to nutrition. They are packed with tons of vitamins and minerals. According to information found on the Medical News Today website, pumpkins are one of the best sources for vitamin A. They also contain vitamins C and E, potassium, riboflavin, copper, manganese, niacin, magnesium, and more. And, as if that weren’t enough, pumpkins are also a good source of fiber.
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2. Opportunities for Fun-Filled Creative Projects
Even though you might enjoy carving your fall pumpkins into glowing jack-o-lanterns, you can also do many other creative projects with them. For example, use acrylic paints to give your pumpkin a one-of-a-kind face that’s scary, funny, serious, silly, studious, or anything else you can think of. Young children might enjoy simply decorating a pumpkin with lots of their favorite stickers. Use stencils and acrylic paints to create a chic design on your pumpkin for everyone to admire.
3. Traditional Seasonal Decor
Pumpkins rise to the top of the decorating list when you’re gathering autumn-inspired decor for your home. Use real pumpkins outdoors to give your porch, patio, or deck a seasonal punch of warm color. Place two or three pumpkins in various sizes next to a large pot of blooming chrysanthemums to increase the decorative fall appeal. Attach faux pumpkin picks to a simple grapevine wreath and hang it from your front door to greet guests. Scatter real miniature pumpkins on tabletops to spread a touch of fall inside your home.
4. Autumn-Inspired Bakery Treats
Inhaling the delicious aromas of warm pumpkin bakery treats is almost as satisfying as eating them. Alongside traditional pumpkin baked goods, such as pumpkin bread, pie, and cookies, you can branch out to other pumpkin sweet treats that you’re sure to love. Whip up a batch of harvest-inspired pumpkin pancakes, fudge, or scones. Add chocolate chips, pecans, or cinnamon to your favorite pumpkin dessert to create a new fall flavor.
5. You Can Eat the Seeds
Not only can you use the pulp inside a pumpkin as an ingredient for creating creamy soups, hearty stews, and rich desserts, but you can also scoop out the seeds for a tasty snack. The Healthline website states that most people can eat pumpkin seeds with or without their shells, and you can eat them raw or roasted. If you prefer roasted seeds, toss your raw pumpkin seeds in a bowl with melted butter and season them with salt or your favorite spice. Spread them on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven for a natural, harvest-inspired snack.
Don’t let the fall season pass you by this year without incorporating a few pumpkins into your life. You can use these magnificent harvest-inspired vegetables to decorate your home, bake aromatic goodies, create a seasonal project, and more. Pumpkins are truly a great blessing of the autumn season.