Pumpkin - Yummmm

++   The Jack-O-Lanterns are gone and pumpkin pie is coming.  What else are pumpkins good for?

Cooking:  Use pumpkin as you would acorn and other winter varieties of squash - in soups, curries, vegetarian lasagna, as a roasted vegetable, added to a smoothie etc.  Toast the seeds with honey and chili powder or cinnamon.

Health:  Pumpkin seed tea was once used to cure parasites.  Now, we generally use them for health benefits relating to nutrition.  The flesh is a great, low calorie, source of carotene (and vitamin A) and a good source of fiber, and B-vitamins; it also has some minerals and vitamin C.  The seeds are rich in mono-unsaturated (heart-healthy) fats, minerals, and protein.  

History:  Pumpkins are in the same botanical family as other squash, and also gourds and cucumbers.  Their seeds have been found in Mexican archaeological sites dating back over 8,000 years, and they spread from there.  Researchers believe that at first only the seeds were eaten and the rest was used as bowls or cups because the flesh was more bitter than in current varieties.  Later, other uses were found -- I'm glad!  Aren't you? 

Save Money - Help the Planet

++  Up to 40% of the food supply in the United States goes uneaten. Discarded food in homes and food-service accounts for 60% of this and is mostly avoidable. Nebraska Extension put together some information on "14 Ways Consumers Can Reduce Food Waste" at http://food.unl.edu/14-ways-consumers-can-reduce-food-waste   Some of their ideas are money saving tips anyone can do, such as checking what you have in your refrigerator and pantry before grocery shopping.  There are also web sites where you can search for recipes by listing ingredients - and get ideas for using up what you have on hand before it spoils.   ​

Track your New Year's (health) Resolutions

Reach Your New Year’s Resolutions with SuperTracker

For millions of Americans, a new year comes with new resolutions and a declaration to be healthier.  United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion wants to help with SuperTracker.  The free, interactive tool offers a personalized nutrition and activity plan to better health.   Whether you want to reach a healthy weight, get more calcium in your diet, or increase your activity, SuperTracker can help you meet your goals.  Try it today: www.supertracker.usda.gov