October 8, 2015 Tiffany Miller BLOG, Child Physical Health

Pumpkins are in clear abundance this time of the year. Everywhere you look in Oregon there are patches splattered with spots of bright orange, yellow, green, and even white pumpkins. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of all the nutritional value that fresh pumpkins have to offer.

Did you know that pumpkins are rich in Vitamin A which supports healthy vision, skin, teeth, and bones? Pumpkins are also high in fiber. The seeds in pumpkins come packed with even more nutritional value, too. Pumpkin seeds have tryptophan which helps our bodies produce serotonin. Serotonin is what helps us to relax, sleep good, and feel well-rested. Pumpkins seeds are also high in beta-carotene and other antioxidants. Picking out pumpkins and carving them is a short-lived gift of fun for everyone, but being able enjoy the nutritional intake of pumpkins will instill healthy choices throughout the season. The following are a couple of easy, healthy recipes to try with your family at home.

Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1.5 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

2 teaspoons butter, melted

1 pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Toss seeds in a bowl with melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally. Allow to cool before eating.

Spiced Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup vanilla yogurt (Greek works well)

toasted pecans or granola

¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

honey (optional)

Mix the pumpkin with the pumpkin spices and honey to taste. Toast the pecans, and put a small layer of pecans (or granola) in the bottom of the parfait glass. Fill the parfait glass a little under a fourth of the way up with (around half of) the pumpkin puree mixture. Layer with the yogurt, followed by a thin layer of pecans or granola, followed by the rest of the pumpkin puree. Add a dollop of yogurt on top, and garnish with more pecans or granola. Enjoy!

The Parenting Hub would love to hear about your ideas for healthy fall recipes to share with young children. Please send your comments to: parentinghub@earlylearninghub.org.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Six Surprising Health Benefits of Pumpkins

http://dailyburn.com/life/health/pumpkin-health-benefits/

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

http://www.parentinghealthybabies.com/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-babies/

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds & Pepitas

http://www.livestrong.com/article/19382-pumpkin-seed-benefits/

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/13768/roasted-pumpkin-seeds//

Spiced Pumpkin Yogurt Parfait

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Spiced-Pumpkin-Yogurt-Parfait-1300525?columns=3&position=33%2F41