6 Facts You Didn't Know About Pumpkins

More than 10 million pumpkins are grown each year in the UK, and about 9.5 million of them are used for carving jack-o'-lanterns.

But, how much do people actually know about them?

Test your knowledge with these interesting facts, just one day ahead of Halloween!

          1.    Pumpkins were born with Cinderella

It is unclear how many pumpkins turn into magical carriages each year.

The French first called them “gros melons,” which translated into English as “pompions". It wasn’t until the 17^th century that they were first referred to as pumpkins in the fairy tale.

2.   Pumpkin carving was not invented by Americans

Pumpkin carving can get a little too exciting!

The Irish used to carve turnips and potatoes. Then they immigrated to the United States and discovered pumpkins.

3.   They are grown in every continent but Antarctica

Pumpkin patches searched far and wide for that perfect jack-o'-lantern...

The United States is the bigger producer, with more than 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin grown each year, with 80 per cent of the crop available for ripe in Halloween.

4.   Pumpkins are part of the gourd family

Pumpkins are so gourd for you!

Which means they’re related to cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini.

5.   They’re very healthy

Don't be scared of eating pumpkins! They're so healthy!

Pumpkins are packed with Vitamin A for good vision, their seeds have a strong zinc component to help you improve your immune system, and research has found that pumpkin seed oil is full of phytoestrogens, proven to help control hypertension. They’re also 90 per cent water!

6.   Brits generate massive food waste because of them

Try making a pumpkin pie out of the leftover goodness this halloween!

According to the #PumpkinRescue annual campaign, almost three-fifths only a third of UK pumpkin consumers cook the leftover but edible innards after hollowing and carving them. However, there are plenty of uses for the delicious insides, like this pumpkin curry, or you can even cook with the seeds!

Consuelo de la Jara D.

STOP THROWING AWAY YOUR PUMPKIN SEEDS

Don't throw your pumpkin seeds away! They're IDEAL for making tasty, healthy Halloween snacks!

With Halloween around the corner, whether you're turning it into a yummy curry or are carving a work of art into it,  it's likely you have bought a pumpkin.

In both cases, you will be left with seeds. Previously you will have also thrown these seeds away.

STOP DOING THAT.
Pumpkin seeds are, for a start, far more versatile than the pumpkin itself. They are also packed full of vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre.

They are also very easy to roast. There's very little fuss. Have a look at how to do it right here:
Scrape the seeds from the pumpkin, use an ice cream scoop if you have one to hand.
The worst bit: getting rid of all the strands of pumpkin attached to the seeds.
Thoroughly rinse the seeds in water (use a sieve or a colander). Pat them dry
Spread the seeds on an oven tray.
Add sea salt and a generous drizzle of olive oil (if you are just garnishing, add chilli flakes, spices ... everything else)
Mix it all together, ensuring the seeds are well coated.
Bake at 180c/350f/gas mark 4 for 10 mins, until golden brown.
Allow them to cool before eating or storing.
Now that you've done just as above and have some nice roasted seeds. Check out just how much you can do with them!

Pumpkin seeds are a fab garnish for:
Hummus
Salads
Roasted Vegetables
Porridge

Or think bigger: Mackerel with Cauliflower "Couscous" and Tahini
Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the cauliflower, tossing occasionally, until florets are browned in spots but still crunchy, usually takes five minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.
Pulse the cool-ish cauliflower in a food processor (or a NutriBullet) until it's all roughly the size of rice grains.
Transfer the cauliflower back into a bowl, toss with lemon juice (for flavour and to preserve the colour), olive oil and sea salt, and add the pumpkin seeds to the cauliflower.
Place mackerel on a baking sheet and rub with oil; season all over with a lot of salt. Stuff the cavity with lemon and thyme. Grill, turning once, until cooked through, should take 10–12 minutes. Allow it to rest for five minutes while you ...
Spoon the seeds and cauliflower onto plates, then drizzle with tahini. Top with more seeds.
Finally remove fillets from fish and place, skin side up, on top. Add parsley and a sprinkle of salt. Yum.

Pumpkin Seeds are fab. Go get Stuffed on them.

Rhys Thomas.

Perfect Pumpkin Curry Recipe for Autumn

Delicious pumpkin curry... perfect for when you're finished carving your pumpkins this Halloween (and perfect for the rest of autumn too!)

Halloween has come and gone but one thing sure hasn't... pumpkins! Whether you carve them, paint them or keep them in their pure pumpkin glory, don't forget about them once Halloween is over. Pumpkins are delicious and so definitely should not go to waste; instead, use your pumpkin to make some tasty autumnal dishes, including this warming pumpkin and chickpea curry. It is so easy to make and perfect for making in big batches, you might even have enough left over to keep eating well into November: just in time for transitioning into pumpkin pie! But more on that later... For now, here's your new go-to pumpkin curry recipe!

Ingredients

1 pumpkin

1 onion

1 tin of chickpeas

2 tins of chopped tomatoes

2 tins of coconut milk

1 bunch of coriander

2 cloves of garlic

Salt

Pepper

Rice

Oil for cooking

Method

1. First, wash and prepare your pumpkin. Slice the top off (if you haven't already done so in order to decorate!) and then scoop out the insides with a spoon or ice cream scoop. Don't throw the seeds away! We can use these later. Next, cut your pumpkin into quarters, and then into small chunks.

2. Add your oil into a saucepan and add the chopped onions and garlic. Once they are cooked, add the coconut milk and chopped tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then add the pumpkin, chickpeas and coriander. Reduce to a low heat and cover with a lid and let simmer for 45 minutes.

3. When the time is up, start boiling your rice and then cook the curry for another 10 minutes until the sauce is thick.

4. Serve up your delicious pumpkin curry and enjoy!

Seren Morris