Pumpkins are a symbol of Harvest Season, with a host of Health Benefits

You’ll find these fall fruits almost everywhere in the fall. And it’s a good thing! Pumpkins are rich in fiber, beta-carotene and other antioxidants, protein, magnesium, and potassium. And this hefty orange squash helps boost your immunity to keep you well, cleanse your liver, keep your eyes and skin healthy, reduce inflammation, prevent cancer and type 2 diabetes, and are a heart-healthy choice.

Because of the size and thick skin on pumpkins, they can be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with how to prepare them. But it’s actually really simple. Cut the pumpkin in half; use a spoon to remove the seeds (you can set those aside for later to clean and roast, if you’d like); cut the gourd in half again; remove the stem and the base; peel the pumpkin with a vegetable peeler; and then cut it into cubes.  Now your pumpkin is ready to use it in a variety of ways.

You can store uncut pumpkins and winter squashes, such as butternut squash, in cool, dark places for months. But once cut, the flesh should get used right away.

Delish.com has a whopping “47 Best Pumpkin Recipes” for you to try.

And, if you want to roast those superfood pumpkin seeds, just clean off the pulp, lay them in a single layer on a large cookie sheet, and roast them in the oven at 160-170F for 15 to 20 minutes.

—
Photo Credit: stockcreations / Shutterstock.com