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Pumpkins make great fall decorations. They's also healthy and tasty. (U.S. Census Bureau photo)
Picking the perfect pumpkins How to find right pumpkins for decorating, cooking Pumpkins
are the centerpiece of fall décor according to Gaylord Moore,
horticulture specialist, Yet,
picking the right pumpkin is, in many ways, a matter of personal
preference because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
"Success
in selecting a pumpkin is not about shape, but the initial quality of
keeping it fresh throughout the Thanksgiving season," According
to "Avoid
any pumpkins that have cracks or splits. Gently squeeze or press your
fingers into the fruit. A
fresh pumpkin should be solid to the touch," It
is also important to pay close attention to the blossom or bottom end and
area around the stem. "Be
sure and avoid pumpkins that have soft spots or sunken areas where decay
has already started," When
handling and carrying a pumpkin, be sure to use care and not use the stem
as a handle. "To
prevent damage be sure and grasp your hands and arms around the pumpkin
and carry it from the bottom," A
good solid and healthy pumpkin should keep for several months or at least
through Thanksgiving according to "Pumpkins
store best under cooler conditions, but hard freezes in the season will
damage pumpkins causing them to turn to mush," Good
to eat, good for you The
most popular use of pumpkins this time of year is for jack-o-lanterns and
fall decorations. However,
low-calorie pumpkins can also be eaten and are great sources for vitamin
A, potassium, protein and vitamin C. When
choosing a pumpkin for cooking, Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health
education specialist, “Look
for one that has one or two inches of stem left. Pumpkins with shorter
stems decay more quickly. It is also a good idea to choose a pumpkin that
has a rich orange color with skin that cannot be easily broken or
scratched by your fingernail,” said Roberts. Pumpkins
can have multiple uses. For example, Roberts says you can paint a funny
face on the pumpkin (using non-toxic paints) for a seasonal decoration.
After the holiday, wash and cook it. When
selecting a pumpkin for cooking, a “pie pumpkin” or “sweet
pumpkin” is a good choice but the jack-o-lantern variety also works fine
for eating. “For
every pound of whole pumpkin, you can expect to get one cup of pumpkin
puree,” said Roberts. To
use the pumpkin for maximum benefit, Roberts recommends first removing the
stem with a sharp knife. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds
and scrape the stringy part away. Wash
the seeds in warm water and spread them out to dry. To roast, spray pan
with oil and spread seeds thinly on the pan. Salt, or any seasoning that
appeals to you (cheesy popcorn or cajun seasoning) can be sprinkled on.
Bake in a 250 degree oven 15 to 20 minutes. Bake,
microwave, boil “There
are three ways to prepare the pumpkin so you can get pumpkin puree,”
said Roberts. To
bake it, cut the pumpkin in half and place the pumpkin, cut side down, on
a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until fork tender (about one hour).
To
microwave it, place the cut side of half of the pumpkin on a microwave
safe plate and microwave on high for fifteen minutes or until fork tender.
To
boil, cut the pumpkin into large chunks and rinse in cold water. Place the
chunks in a large pot in about an inch of water. Cover the pot and boil
for 20-30 minutes until tender. To
make the puree, cool and peel the pumpkin and use a food processor,
blender, ricer or potato masher to make the puree. Pumpkin
puree can be used in any recipe in which you use purchased pumpkin.
Pumpkin puree can be frozen at zero degrees for up to one year. “If
it all seems like more than you would like to do right now keep this in
mind: pumpkins can be stored for several months if kept at 50 to 55
degrees in a dry airy place,” said Roberts.
For
more information on nutrition issues, contact any of the For
more information, or answers to your specific lawn and garden questions,
contact Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri
Extension or the Greene County Master Gardener Hotline at (417) 862-9284. Archives: Society for Creative Anachronism brings history to life Bald eagles spend winters in the Ozarks Harriet Bain says a greenhouse is worth the time and effort A fishing trip to Maramec Spring Park will relieve stress and worry Natural areas of the Ozarks: Wealth of ecological treasures |
