Happy National Pumpkin Day! I learned some interesting facts while researching online. Did you know?
Pumpkins are low in calories and fat, while high in fiber. They're good sources of vitamins A and B, potassium, protein and iron.
Most pumpkins are grown in IL. In fact, more than 90% of the crops come from that state. Have you ever seen "Grown in IL" stamped on your canned pumpkin label? By the way, OH, PA and CA also grow them.
Collectively, over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are grown in the US each year.
The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds!
About 80% of all pumpkins ripen and are picked in the month of October.
An average pumpkin contains about 500 seeds!
Every part of the pumpkin is edible. If you're wondering if that includes the stem...it does!
It's definitely the season of pumpkins and there are many good recipes using them. Lots of versions of pumpkin bread are around, but this is our favorite because it's very moist and flavorful. It's my aunt's recipe and although I have not made any recently, I did feature it in a post three years ago. It's definitely worth repeating. I think you will enjoy it if you try it!
Aunt Kay's Pumpkin Bread
1 cup oil
3/4 cup water
1 can pumpkin
4 eggs
3 cups sugar (try using 2 cups white and 1 cup brown)
Mix all ingredients.
Now mix the following together and add to above:
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
Lightly spray two large loaf pans with Baker's Joy and bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours (you can also divide batter into four smaller pans and bake about 40 minutes, or until done).
This freezes well.
For a printable version, click here.
In addition to baking, commercially prepared pumpkin products are available everywhere! Dashing into the grocery, you will find pumpkin flavored coffee, creamer, ice cream, cream cheese, yogurt, cereal, snack bars, butter, dog treats, salsa, cookies, caramel corn, chocolates...and so much more. These are a few pumpkin products I purchased at Trader Joe's, as highlighted in a previous post. Even though it's been a few years ago, I checked online to confirm that they still have these products.
I'll take autumn leaves and pumpkins, please! 🍂🎃