Yes, the High Priestess of Autumn known as the pumpkin is actually a fruit. This fruit bears its soul to this season – its aroma filling you with warmth and nostalgia, its pies leading you to aching but pleasant post-feast naps. But there is much more to the pumpkin than meats our dinner plates. Its insides are being crafted into the best food items and drinks around and its seed is being extracted and used beyond the kitchen. To find some odd pumpkin products, yummy recipes and some nutritional perks of King Pumpkin, meet me after the jump!

Let’s get down to brass tacks – what exactly are those benefits?

Tell ya boyfriends – pumpkin seed oil is very good for prostate health. High concentrations of the oil can block the damaging effects of the DHT hormone that causes prostate problems. The oil’s high levels of antioxidant carotenoids, omega-6 and omega 9 fatty acids and zinc can also prevent any risky prostate conditions.

Sam covered some awesome pumpkin perks several week ago, and further research into pumpkin seed oil reveals that “…high levels of phytosterols in the diet significantly decreased cholesterol absorption and may therefore be of benefit in lowering a person’s risk for heart disease. The essential fatty acids and antioxidants in pumpkin seed oil are also likely to be helpful in preventing heart disease.”

So not only is this gourd scrumptious enough to eat, smell and play in its patches all day, but the health benefits are favorable as well? No wonder restaurants demands for pumpkins have jumped 38% in just two years! Food crafters left and right are infusing the fruit into their most popular items and cocktails, so check our your local eateries for some seasonal menu treats.

Now what can you make in your own kitchen that can turn your entirely household into a sublimely sated and aromatically inviting palace of pumpkins? Sweets, of course.

Fire up your ice cream machines! Or, just plug them in and keep them cool. Make this savory dish of Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt with Roasted Pecans and your ice cream machine will set up camp on your kitchen counter until springtime.


Quit dumping a dangerous chunk of your paycheck at the local Starbucks. Make your own version of their Pumpkin Spice Latte, fresh and perfectly adorned with all its trimmings. Drink this yummy concoction on your front porch or on your cozy couch during snowfall. Beautifully imbibed bliss!


Healthy and delicious, this Holiday Pumpkin Soup will warm your belly and start off a glorious feast for gatherings during the holidays.


ERMAHGERD. SPERCED PERMPKIN BERDER. Ahem, ‘scuse me. I seem to be drooling and my fingers are loosing sensation just thinking about Spice Pumpkin Butter. This is the quintessential flavored spread for Autumn, as peach butter and apple butter are my favorite during warmer seasons. Make these for yourself (ALL FOR ME!) or gift them for your close ones.

Well that was embarrassing. Now to put an end to this drooling… ah gad, nevermind. Here comes a gallery chock full of pumpkin products you’ll be rushing to taste and test.

What is your favorite pumpkin product? Do you like making pumpkin treats for the fall season?

[via Health and Energy Foods, Today]
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