2008 Woodie Awards
Pumpkin: Orange, Nutritious, Delicious
Katrina Hartwood
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Life
- Page 1 of 1
Halloween is just around the corner and that means it is pumpkin season.
Pumpkins are not only good for carving, but they are also a very good source of beta carotene. Beta carotene has many healthful benefits. It is a member of the group of compounds called carotenoids which are converted to vitamin A in the liver.
Beta carotene is also an antioxidant and therefore rids the body of harmful agents such as free radicals. This action is the reason why beta carotene is usually associated with lowering the risk of certain cancers.
Even though whole pumpkins are mainly bought for decoration, the majority of pumpkins that are grown in the United States are processed and canned. The states that contribute the majority of pumpkin production are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California. Not only is the pumpkin edible, but the seeds and flowers of the plant are edible as well.
One cup of cooked pumpkin contains about 50 calories, 2 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Because pumpkin does contain fiber, and not just sugar, it is a great alternative ingredient to baked goods.
Pumpkin added to cooked oatmeal instead of brown sugar can add flavor variety as well as added nutrients such as vitamin A. Although pumpkin pie is the most common way of pumpkin consumption, the way of preparing a pumpkin pie has changed through time.
Other things to remember this Halloween season is to not eat all the candy you have left over from trick-or-treaters. One suggestion is to put the candy away in an airtight container or zip lock bag as soon as possible and put it in a cupboard or pantry out of sight.
Leaving a bowl of candy out is a temptation few people, if anyone, is able to resist. Also, by eating a balanced meal before the candy is brought out may help deter excessive candy consumption.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
(These can also be made as muffins)
16 oz canned or cooked pumpkin
2/3 cup shortening
2 2/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
3 2/3 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
mini chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients, drop dough about 2 inches wide on a cookie sheet, Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are done in the center.
Pumpkins are not only good for carving, but they are also a very good source of beta carotene. Beta carotene has many healthful benefits. It is a member of the group of compounds called carotenoids which are converted to vitamin A in the liver.
Beta carotene is also an antioxidant and therefore rids the body of harmful agents such as free radicals. This action is the reason why beta carotene is usually associated with lowering the risk of certain cancers.
Even though whole pumpkins are mainly bought for decoration, the majority of pumpkins that are grown in the United States are processed and canned. The states that contribute the majority of pumpkin production are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California. Not only is the pumpkin edible, but the seeds and flowers of the plant are edible as well.
One cup of cooked pumpkin contains about 50 calories, 2 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Because pumpkin does contain fiber, and not just sugar, it is a great alternative ingredient to baked goods.
Pumpkin added to cooked oatmeal instead of brown sugar can add flavor variety as well as added nutrients such as vitamin A. Although pumpkin pie is the most common way of pumpkin consumption, the way of preparing a pumpkin pie has changed through time.
Other things to remember this Halloween season is to not eat all the candy you have left over from trick-or-treaters. One suggestion is to put the candy away in an airtight container or zip lock bag as soon as possible and put it in a cupboard or pantry out of sight.
Leaving a bowl of candy out is a temptation few people, if anyone, is able to resist. Also, by eating a balanced meal before the candy is brought out may help deter excessive candy consumption.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
(These can also be made as muffins)
16 oz canned or cooked pumpkin
2/3 cup shortening
2 2/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
3 2/3 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
mini chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients, drop dough about 2 inches wide on a cookie sheet, Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are done in the center.
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