Don't Get Spooked by Pumpkins!

We all associate pumpkins with Halloween and in many ways they are like eggs at Easter or mince pies at Christmas. However, these rather strange looking fruits 'spook' many of my clients; they're a weird shape, they're really heavy to carry home and more importantly what on earth do you do with them? Well, don't be scared, because pumpkins are an amazing addition to any recipe as they can be eaten savoury, sweet, fresh, cooked, pickled or preserved. Best of all they are wonderful to cook with because they are incredibly versatile and absorb flavours beautifully.

Pumpkins are perhaps the most spectacular of all autumn fruits; they belong to a family called cucurbitaceae together with courgettes, squashes, marrows and melons. Amazingly, this family consists of a hundred genera and almost 700 species! They vary enormously from round, pear shaped, long, flat, ribbed and smooth to grey, white, blue-grey, yellow, orange and red.

Pumpkins have always been an important food source in Central and North America and we know from archaeological evidence that pumpkins were eaten in Mexico 7,000 years ago. Historically, ancient civilisations, like the Aztecs, used pumpkins to treat a variety of ailments from parasite worms and snake bites to prostate and urinary problems. Even today research is underway to potentially use pumpkins in the treatment of HIV and diabetes, while a recent study by the USDA suggested that diets high in pumpkins can actually help you to curb your appetite and make you absorb less fat and calories from your food.

So, what's so great about pumpkins? The mild and sweet flesh is very high in potassium with good amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C. Pumpkins also contain good quantities of calcium and fibre, while the seeds are an excellent source of zinc and essential fatty acids. They also contain small amounts of starch, sugar and protein and are easily digested and rarely cause allergies.

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Okay, let's talk history...what's the link with Halloween and Pumpkins?

Halloween is derived from Samhain, an ancient Celtic Festival, which signified the end of the farming year and the begining of winter. Pre-Christian Europe strongly believed that Halloween was a time when the barriers between our world and the spirit world were temporarily weekened so that souls of the dead could roam the earth. To frighten away these mischievous spirits turnips were hollowed out and made into lanterns and bonfires were lit. Pagan rituals were slowly integrated into the Christian calendar and Samhain was officially recognised by Pope John XIV in 1006 as All Hallows Eve; the night before the Christian festival All Saints Day. The church wasn't too keen on paganism and believed that All hallows Eve was simply an excuse for witches to cause trouble. Over time it was toned down and became known as the Halloween we all know and love; a time for children to dress up and play and an excuse for adults to socialize with their friends and family. So, where do pumpkins fit into this brief history lesson? Well, when this tradition travelled to America, pumpkins were much easier to come by and were used instead of turnips. It's that simple! By the way, have you ever tried to hollow out a rock hard turnip? When I was little I had a turnip latern every yeard. I still remember my Dad's blood, sweat and tears carving them out for me!

So, what are you waiting for? Now you know a fair bit about the humble pumpkin why not pick one up the next time you're out shopping and discover the health and taste benefits of this amazing seasonal fruit.

If you know anyone who would like to read this, or is interested in coaching for health and happiness, then please forward it to them. Have a happy and health Halloween!

Charlotte x