As the crisp fall air sweeps over New England, one of my favorite seasonal subjects comes into full splendor—pumpkins! From vibrant oranges to moody blues, pumpkins offer a stunning range of colors and textures, adding their unique charm to the beauty of autumn.
Blue Beauties of the Pumpkin World
There are many varieties of blue pumpkins including New England Blue Hubbard, Jarrahdale, Blue Doll, Australian Blue, Queensland Blue, and Blue Lakota. With their muted slate and teal hues, blue pumpkins are not only visually striking but also have a thick, rich orange flesh with superior flavor.
Delicious and Nutritious
Pumpkins are packed with nutrition, making them a healthy and versatile choice for your meals. Here are a few fun facts:
- Fruit: Pumpkins are part of the gourd family along with cucumbers and squash. Gourds are all botanically classified as fruit since they develop from the flower of the plant and contain seeds. However, in cooking and culinary terms, pumpkins are often treated as vegetables because they are used in savory dishes like soups, stews, and roasts
- Vitamin Powerhouse: Pumpkin is a nutritious food, loaded with fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron. They are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. This supports vision, immune function, and overall health.
- Low in Calories: Despite their hearty appearance, pumpkins are surprisingly low in calories, making them an excellent option for those seeking nutritious, low-calorie food.
- Feast on Every Part: Every bit of a pumpkin is edible, including the flowers, leaves, skin, pulp, seeds (a.k.a pepitas), and even the stem.
Pumpkins are more than just a symbol of fall—they’re a versatile, nutritious, and beautiful gift from nature. Whether you’re carving them, cooking them, or simply admiring their unique colors and textures, these humble gourds offer endless possibilities.
Happy Pumpkin Season!
Jackie Foster Art 