Whether used in a savory soup, added to quick breads, or your beloved family pie, pumpkins are a fall favorite for many, and very versatile. This fruit is packed full of key nutrients our bodies need. Yes, I said fruit. Fun fact: although pumpkins have a nutritional profile like that of a vegetable, they are botanically a fruit since they contain seeds. All parts of the pumpkin are considered edible and used all over the world as ingredients in both savory and sweet dishes. For example, cooked pumpkin leaves served in with rice or in porridge in Asian and African countries.
Pumpkins are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes squash, cantaloupe, cucumbers, watermelon, and gourds. While botanically they are considered a fruit due to their seeds, they are classified as a Red and Orange Vegetable in MyPlate. Aim for 4 to 6 cups of red and orange vegetables each week – enjoy your pumpkin.
When shopping for canned pumpkin, purchase 100% pumpkin. Some canned pumpkin is pie filling, which includes addition of sugar.
