08/10/2025
Fall Highlight: Pumpkins đ
Last week, we looked at some vegetables now more readily available in supermarkets with the onset of Fall. And pumpkins was featured. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you would have likely started seeing pumpkins being sold in abundance in grocery stores near you. So in this post, letâs learn a little bit more about pumpkins together!
đWhat are they?
Most in the Northern Hemisphere would be familiar with these. The typical âpumpkinâ we think of is the jack âoâ lantern ones - large, round and orange. But there are actually many varieties of pumpkins, of different sizes, shapes and colors â ranging from white, to orange to green!
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash and are botanically classified as fruits because they contain seeds. But we tend to think of them more as vegetables nutritionally and they are often categorized as such in supermarkets.
đWhere did they originate from?
Pumpkins have a long history of domestication and the earliest domesticated species are native to North America. But now, pumpkins are grown in many countries around the world, some for cooking and others for decorative purposes!
đWhatâs in them?
Pumpkins are a fantastic source of vitamin A, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin which are important for eye health. One cup of cooked mashed pumpkin already provides 14100 International Units of vitamin A and 2470 micrograms of lutein and zeaxanthin, along with 1.7 grams of protein, 2.7 grams of fiber and 1.4 milligrams of iron. It is also a source of other nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E. Are you surprised?
đHow do you pick them?
Pick a pumpkin that is firm and heavy for its size
Now itâs your turn. Tell me: Whatâs your favorite way to enjoy pumpkins? Share it below! đđŒ
