PUMPKIN MADNESS!

THE HISTORY

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

USAGE & NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

FUN FACTS

All Pumpkins Are Not Orange

Pumpkins come in different colors, sizes and shapes.

Pumpkins are typically bright orange, but because many cultivars exist, other color variations are possible. A typical pumpkin is about 20 - 40 pounds (9 - 18 kg), though the common field pumpkin can grow up to 65 pounds (29 kg).

Throughout history, a large variety of different culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses for pumpkin have been applied.

Photo © 2010 Chuck Nugent

PUMPKINS ARE INDIGENOUS TO THE AMERICAS

• The New World also contained many new foods which are now enjoyed by people the world over.

• Among the crops indigenous to the New World are many popular traditional American autumn holiday foods including pumpkins, cranberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn (maize).

CULTIVATING OF PUMPKINS BY THE IROQUOIS

• While the men of the Iroquois hunted and fished, the women tended to the crops.

• Each spring the women of the tribe first prepared the ground in the fields surrounding their village for planting. Once the ground had been prepared the women carefully dug holes for the seeds.

THREE SISTERS GARDEN

• Into each hole they placed a fish along with a corn, bean and pumpkin seed. The hole was then covered. The dead fish fertilized the ground for the seed. As the three seeds in each hole sprouted, the cornstalk provided support for the bean plant to climb on, the pumpkin provided ground cover to keep the weeds out & the roots of the bean added nutrients to the soil.

• As spring moved into summer and summer to autumn, whole fields were filled with corn, beans and pumpkins growing together like the three sisters of legend to provide sustenance for the human families of the tribe.

HISTORY OF PUMPKIN FOR MEDICINAL AND OTHER USES

• Medicinal uses. The sap and pulp of pumpkins has long been used throughout parts of Central and North America as treatment for burns. Seeds have also been used by the Menominee people as a diuretic.

• Decorative uses. Dry strips of pumpkins were sometimes used by Native Americans, who wove them into household mats.

IRISH SETTLERS IN THE NEW WORLD USED PUMPKINS FOR JACK-O-LANTERNS

• Halloween has been observed in Ireland since ancient times. Glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds were set on porches and in windows to not only welcomed deceased loved ones but also act as protection against evil spirits.

• In Ireland, people used to hollow out turnips, and carve a scary face on them. When moving about outside after dark on Halloween, they would carry the lit turnip with them to light their way and scare the Devil away with its scary face.

• Burning lumps of coal were used to light the inside of the Jack-o-lanterns, only to be replaced by candles as years passed.

AFTER ARRIVING IN AMERICA

• Many Irish immigrants began substituting pumpkins, which were both larger and already hollow inside, for the turnips.

• Thus, the pumpkin, in the form of a jack-o-lantern,became the main symbol of Halloween in addition to its other holiday uses.

ALL PUMPKIN’S ARE SQUASH

Here are just a few of the reasons to add pumpkin to your diet:

• Pumpkins are low in salt.• Pumpkins have zero cholesterol.• Pumpkin seeds can help men avoid

prostate cancer.• Pumpkin can lower the risk of heart disease.• Pumpkins contain beta carotene which

helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

• A number of facial and anti- wrinkle creams include pumpkin.

PUMPKIN CALORIES

PUMPKINS ARE LOADED WITH VITAMINS.

• Particularly vitamin A, an important nutrient related to cell growth, bone and skin health, reproduction, and the immune system.

• Like pumpkin, carrots and tomatoes are also two commonly-used plants that are high in vitamin A. Compared to tomatoes, pumpkins are much starchier, and while carrots and pumpkins have about the same caloric content, pumpkins have a bit less carbs.

• Chock full of vitamin A, energy-boosting magnesium, and immune-strengthening zinc, among other nutrients.

• Pumpkins are important power foods that provide fiber and may help to lower cholesterol.

• Pumpkins are comparable to other starchy fruits and veggies and should be combined with a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

PUMPKIN USAGE &

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Canned pumpkin is one of the most popular ways of serving pumpkin. Quick, inexpensive, and easy to prepare, canned pumpkin is the go-to recommendation for pumpkin pies and pumpkin squares.

• Dessert can be simpler with canned pumpkin, which has only 34 calories per 100 g.

SPEAKING OF PUMPKIN PIE

European colonists are responsible for the origin of pumpkin pie - they would cut off the pumpkin top, remove the pumpkin's seeds, and fill it with honey, milk, and seasonings before baking it in hot ashes. Think – custard in a pumpkin.

Many culinary uses for pumpkin have developed over time. There is some evidence to suggest that the ancient Aztecs enjoyed pumpkin seeds as a quick but satisfying snack. Native Americans roasted long strips of pumpkin to eat.

PUMPKIN – FUN FACTS….DID YOU KNOW?

• Botanically speaking, pumpkin is a fruit.

• All pumpkins are squashes, but not all squashes are pumpkins.

• Pumpkins possess abundant vitamins and nutrients, which support its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.

• China is the leading producer of pumpkins and squashes, with an estimated seven million tons produced each year.

• The biggest pumpkin ever grown was 2,323 pounds

•

TIME FOR A JOKE!!

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU DROP A PUMPKIN?

A SQUASH!!!

PUMPKIN MUFFINSCOOK TIME: 20 MINSYIELD: 12 - 16 MUFFINS

• Instructions• Preheat oven to 375°. Grease muffin pan or use liner.

• In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add oil and whisk until combined. Add pumpkin and milk and whisk until combined. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and mix gently just until combined.

• Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake for 16-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan.

• These muffins stay moist for up to 5 days. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container. The muffins can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

• 1 and 2/3 cups (230g) all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or freshlygrated nutmeg• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 2 large eggs• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar• 1/2 cup (100g) light or dark brown sugar• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable or canola oil• 1 and 1/4 cups (285g) pumpkin puree

(canned or fresh)• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

CROCKPOT PUMPKIN & GROUND TURKEY CHILI RECIPEYIELD: 6 SERVINGS PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES COOK TIME: 4 HOURS

CREAMY PUMPKIN CHILI WITH A SAVORY BROTH WILL WARM YOU UP ON A COLD FALL EVENING!

• INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground turkey• 1 medium onion, chopped• 2 bell peppers, chopped (one red, one green)• 2 – 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes• 1 – 15.25 oz can black beans, drained• 1 – 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained• 1/2 of a 15 oz can pumpkin puree• 32 oz 100% tomato juice• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice• 1 tablespoon chili powder• 1 teaspoon cumin• 1 teaspoon garlic powder• salt & pepper to taste

EASY PUMPKIN PANCAKES

• Directions:

• Step 1 - Whisk pumpkin pie filling and eggs together in a bowl until smooth. Add milk, flour, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg; whisk until batter is smooth.

• Step 2 - Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side, 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.

IngredientOriginal recipe yields 10 servings

•1 cup pumpkin pie filling•2 large eggs •2 cups milk•2 cups all-purpose flour•4 teaspoons baking powder•1 tablespoon white sugar•1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice•1 teaspoon ground cinnamon•1 pinch ground nutmeg

CHICKEN MEATBALL CASSEROLE

BY KATIE LEE

• Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking sheet and baking dish

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan

• 1/4 cup grated yellow onion

• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

• Mix together the chicken, pumpkin, Parmesan, onion, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes.

• Shape the mixture into balls using a tablespoon and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F and spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

FOR THE PASTA

• Kosher salt

• One 16-ounce box mezzi rigatoni or mezze penne

• One 24-ounce jar marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

WHILE THE MEATBALLS ARE COOKING

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water and drain.

• Toss the pasta with the marinara sauce and pasta water in a large bowl. Transfer to the greased baking dish. Nestle the meatballs into the pasta. Top with the mozzarella and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

• Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan.

FOR SHERIL -HEALTHY PUMPKIN BREAKFAST COOKIES INGREDIENTS

PUMPKIN PIE BREAKFAST COOKIES WITH WHOLE OATS

BY CHARITY

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice mix

• 1 cup milk

FROM: FOODLETS.COM• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¾ cup plain canned pumpkin

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (I like the reduced sugar kind)

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

• Mix all ingredients together.

• Scoop onto a generously buttered baking sheet (or use a non-stick liner but you might want to give it a quick spray as well).

• Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

• For an extra toasty top–or to reheat–broil on LOW for an extra 2-5 minutes.

WHILE WE ARE ON THE TOPIC OF FOODHOW ABOUT BEVERAGES?

10 Pumpkin Drinks That Are Perfect for Fall - Taste of Home

• www.tasteofhome.com › ... › Beverages

20 Best Pumpkin Drinks - Pumpkin Lattes, Smoothies, Cocktails

• www.prevention.com › food-nutrition › pumpkin-drinks

POP QUIZ

Who Knows When National Pumpkin Day Is This Year?

October, 26

MORE PUMPKIN GOODNESS

• In Literature and Lore

• Pumpkin Patches

• Carving Contests

• The Most Famous Pumpkin of them ALLL –can you guess???

The most famous pumpkin in the United States is not found in literature, but rather in the cheerily autumnal Starbucks merchandising that announces the yearly return of the much beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte. The cultish drink continues to spawn think pieces, grotesquely adorable DIY recipes, greeting cards, and even a surprisingly lengthy Wikipedia page. The drink has been celebrated, maligned, and the subject of a controversy involving the FDA, and in the 12 years since its launch has managed to topple Cinderella’s carriage from its position at the front of the pumpkin patch.

Barnes and Noble Web Siteby Diana Biller

Pumpkin is also very good for pets!!

LITERATURE

Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage (The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault, by Charles Perrault)

The Shattered Pumpkin (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving)

Jack Pumpkinhead (The Marvelous Land of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

Pumpkin (Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden

Feathertop, from “Feathertop,” (Mosses from an Old Manse, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Great Pumpkin (Waiting for the Great Pumpkin, by Charles M. Schulz)

WHY WAS CINDERELLA BAD AT FOOTBALL?

Because She had a Pumpkin for a Coach!

KC AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES

• KC PUMPKIN PATCH IN OLATHE

• CAROLYN'S COUNTRY COUSINS BY LIBERTY

• LOUISBURG CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH IN LOUISBURG

• JOHNSON FARMS PLANTS & PUMPKINS AROUND LOCKLOYD

• PONY EXPRESS PUMPKINFEST IN ST. JOE

TIME FOR A JOKE!!

WHAT'S THE PUMPKIN'S FAVORITE WESTERN?

The Gourd, The Bad, and The Ugly

MORE FUNNIES

WHY WAS THE JACK O LANTERN SO FORGETFUL?

Because he's empty-headed.

WHAT DID THE PUMPKIN SAY TO THE PIE BAKER?

Use apples instead

PRESENTED BY:

KATIE AARONSON SHERIL HERMAN

Responsive Consistent Care –That’s Always Therewww.alwaystherekc.com

PH 913-942-2900 F 913-942-2909www.jkv.org/home-healthPH913-403-8343 F 913-262-5854

RESOURCES WE SHARED

• Brief History of Pumpkins, Aug 29, 2019 Chuck Nugent

• Chuck Nugent – photos Chuck enjoys celebrating holidays with his family. This has led to an interest in researching & writing about holidays & their traditions.

• Holidappy.com

• HerbaZest.com – Editorial Team, June 18, 2020

• Jokes by:

• ELIZABETH FALLIN SEP 23, 2020

• Southern Living

• Barnes and Noble

• MORE THAN JUST A LATTE

• The 6 Most Famous Pumpkins in Literature (and One Rutabaga)

• by Diana Biller

• www.visitkc.com

THE GRATEFUL PUMPKIN - AN EASY FALL CRAFT IDEA!

• Sample

Supplies:

Paint, Sponge brush, Fine and ultra fine Sharpies in a variety of colors, clear gloss or flat spray.

Presented by Sheril Herman with Always There Health Care and Katie Aaronson with Village Home Health