By October 26th, we in a frenzy of pumpkin obsession. We cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. No sir, we need pumpkin every-thing! Bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta, oatmeal & More!  Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs and television specials. Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving, too! This fruit grabs American’s attention.

As it should be. This squash is native to North America. The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico.

The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which means “large melon” in Greek.

Within recent years, white pumpkins have become more popular in the United States. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois producing more than any other state.

Canned pumpkin may be recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that are experiencing certain digestive ailments.

Raw pumpkin can be fed to poultry as a supplement to their regular feed during the winter months to help maintain egg production.

Besides the normal sweet varieties of Pumpkin Treats lining the shelves, here are some savory recipes to try:

 

Pumpkin Chicken Chili

1/2 T. Olive Oil

2 Garlic Cloves, crushed

1 Small onion, chopped fine

1 Jalapeño Pepper, seeds/ribs removed, diced fine

3 C. Chicken Broth

1 (14.5 oz.) Can Petite Diced Tomatoes

1 (15 oz.) can No Salt Added Sweet Corn, drained

1 (15 oz.) can Reduced Sodium Black Beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz.) can 100% Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 tsp. Cumin

1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper, or to taste

1/8 tsp. Salt

1 T. Smoked Paprika

2 C. Chicken, cooked and chopped

 

In a 4-5 quart stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté garlic, onion and jalapeño pepper in olive oil until tender and fragrant. Add broth, tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, beans and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 15 minutes. Add cooked chicken; simmer at least 15 minutes more until heated through. Serve with desired garnishes.

Pumpkin Hummus

 1 15oz. can solid pack pumpkin or fresh

3 T. chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

3 T. Tahini

3 T. Lemon juice 

3 cloves garlic, minced 

1 tsp. Cumin, ground

1/2 tsp. salt 

1/8 tsp. Black pepper 

1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper, plus more for garnish 

Combine all ingredients in one bowl mix with spatula. Place in decorative bowl, garnish with additional parsley & cayenne pepper.

Local Farms/Farmers Markets to find Assorted Pumpkins, Gourds & More!

Crooked Row Farm Stand

Misty Valley Farms

Seiples Farm

Grims Farm

Trexlertown Farmers Market

 

#NationalPumpkinDay

 

 

 

For more fresh recipes and articles by Joe Scrizzi click here…

 

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