Why Pumpkins are awesome
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are small, flat, green, edible seeds. Most pumpkin seeds are covered by a white husk, although some pumpkin varieties produce seeds without them. Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack that can be found hulled or semi-hulled at most grocery stores.
Roasted pumpkin seeds (usually scooped out of jack-o-lanterns) are a popular Halloween treat. Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, some of which include being a good source of protein, zinc and other vitamins; they are even said to lower cholesterol. One gram of pumpkin-seed protein contains as much tryptophan as a full glass of milk. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and phytosterols, which can benefit the liver and increase immune response.
In 1620, early American settlers of the Plymouth Plantation might have made pumpkin pies (of sorts) by making stewed pumpkins or by filling a hollowed-out shell with milk, honey and spices, and then baking it in hot ashes. An actual present-day pumpkin pie with crust is a myth, as ovens to bake pies were not available in the colony at that stage.
Northeastern Native American tribes grew squash and pumpkins. They roasted or boiled them for eating. Historians think that the settlers were not very impressed by the Indians’ squash and/or pumpkins until they had to survive their first harsh winter, when about half of the settlers died from scurvy and exposure. The Native Americans brought pumpkins as gifts to the first settlers, and taught them about the many uses for pumpkin. This is what developed into pumpkin pie.
The pie consists of a pumpkin-based custard, ranging in color from orange to brown. It is baked in a single pie shell, rarely with a top crust. Traditionally served with whipped cream, the pie is generally flavored with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger.
This pie is often made from canned pumpkin or packaged pumpkin pie filling (spices included); popular in the fall, this seasonal product is readily available in bakeries and grocery stores, although it is possible to find year-round.
