Greet Pumpkin Season with 4 Recipes
Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
| 2 min read
The fall season brings beautiful warm-colored leaves, cozy flannels, trips to apple orchards and, of course, pumpkins. A member of the squash family, pumpkins pack in a plethora of nutrients.
A single cup of pumpkin provides seven grams of fiber to aid in digestion and a third of the daily need for vitamin K. Its bright orange color brings beta carotene to the mix, which acts as an antioxidant, fighting inflammation. It’s also great for eye health. Pumpkin seeds offer healthy fats while packing in folate, an important nutrient for pregnant women to help prevent birth defects.
From pumpkin pancakes to baked oats, there are diverse ways to use this nutrient-dense fall crop. Try these recipes:
This recipe for pumpkin baked oats offers a warm and cozy seasonal bite that's full of nutrition.
This delicious, spiced quick bread uses two vegetables - pumpkins and zucchinis. The recipe is based on a Taste of Home version, but with half of the butter substituted with applesauce to boost the nutrition and moisture.
This recipe uses a wholesome mix of pumpkin seeds, pecans and dried cranberries to make a delicious, healthy and homemade granola. It can be eaten on its own as a snack or as a topping for a yogurt parfait or smoothie bowl.
Try these healthy and easy pumpkin pancakes for your next breakfast or brunch to bring the warmth of pumpkin spice flavors to your table. This recipe features canned pumpkin whisked into a homemade pancake batter full of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
