October 26 is National Pumpkin Day, but there are reasons to celebrate pumpkins all season long. Here are a few little-known facts and fun recipes to celebrate fall's favorite gourd:
- Pumpkins are technically a fruit (they are in the gourd family), but are often called a vegetable because of their savory flavor.
- You won't find many calories in pumpkins - which makes them a healthy treat. A cup of canned pumpkin has only 80 calories.
- Pumpkin is also quite nutritious. They are low-fat and an excellent source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin A.
- Canned pumpkin is inexpensive, so cooking with pumpkin is quite frugal. Try these recipes:
- Try larger pumpkins for carving, and use smaller pumpkins (less than 10 pounds) for cooking and baking - they have a better flavor.
Check out BeFrugal for coupons the next time you pick up canned pumpkin at the grocery store.