When people think of Halloween, the first image that comes to mind is often a jack-o’-lantern — a hollowed-out pumpkin with a scary face. Pumpkin, however, is a lot more than just a decoration.
Pumpkin as a food can be extremely versatile. It can be baked, used in soup and curry, as a pastry filling and much more. Its sweet flavor and bright color also make it a hit with kids.
Nutritional Values
Pumpkin is rich in...
- Beta-carotene — an antioxidant that fights ageing.1 It also gets converted to vitamin A which is great for eye health.2
- Fiber — which promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent colon cancer.1
- Minerals — including potassium and manganese. Potassium is great for managing blood pressure, and manganese is pivotal for brain and nerve function.3
Pick and store
You should pick pumpkins with intact skin. For cut pumpkins, flesh should be bright in color and look moist. Store whole pumpkins in a cool and dark place. Cut pumpkin should be wrapped in cling wrap and refrigerated.3
Making your own pumpkin soup4
Sugar
Ingredients
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions (chopped)
1 kg pumpkin (peeled, deseeded, chopped)
700ml vegetable stock
150ml double cream
Steps
- Heat oil. Cook onions until soft.
- Add pumpkin. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pour in double cream. Bring back to boil. Puree with a hand blender.
- Ready to serve.
With all the amazing benefits that pumpkin brings, there really is no excuse not to give this pumpkin soup recipe a go!
Sources
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
- https://www.sweye.com/blog/education/eye-health-benefits-from-pumpkins/. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ingredientsprofiles/Pumpkin. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/7730/pumpkin-soup. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
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