It’s Pumpkin Season!
Nothing says fall like pumpkin… YES! Pumpkin every day, everywhere on everything! But don’t just settle for your pumpkin spice latte when you can quickly and easily make this Pumpkin Butter to use on everything from toast to yogurt! And it only takes a few ingredients - healthy ingredients you can feel good about eating and feeding to your kiddos; no processed sugar or preservatives, just fresh, natural goodness you’ll want to stock up on for the season, or longer if you’re like me! And what’s better than knowing you’re getting some amazing benefits from eating this delicious, creamy goodness?
Health Benefits of Pumpkin You Probably didn’t know
Great for your immune system- pumpkin puree contains riboflavin which helps us fight off infections, folate, folic acid (a B vitamin), which is boosts our immune systems and vitamin C, which might help ward off colds.
Protects your skin- pumpkin’s vitamin A is an anti-aging nutrient that contributes to the cell renewal process. Pumpkin also increases collagen production and has carotenoids (that’s what makes pumpkins orange) which help keep our skin wrinkle free.
Protects your eyes- the vitamin A in pumpkin not only protects your skin but can also improve vision, particularly in dim light.
Controls weight gain- pumpkin is a great source of fiber which takes longer to digest promoting satiety which helps you eat less. And they’re low in calories! Bonus!
Can help after a hard workout- pumpkin has lots of potassium which helps restore the body’s balance of electrolytes after a hard workout. And it keeps the muscles functioning at their best.
Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween and pies - thought you knew all there is to know about pumpkins? Think again!
Fun facts about Pumpkins
Pumpkin is actually a fruit, not a vegetable
The name pumpkin comes from the Greek word ‘pepon’, meaning ‘large melon’
Pumpkin plants feature both male and female flowers, with bees typically being involved in pollination
Pumpkin flowers are edible
Over 1 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced in the U.S. every year
Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites
The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.
Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October
Trader Joe’s makes it, but so can YOU!
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE TJ’s pumpkin butter but I try to limit the sugar I consume, and in their version sugar is the second ingredient! And I want to eat this stuff all the time and with my sugar-free version - I CAN! So wipe the drool from your mouth and let’s make us some healthy Pumpkin Butter!
How to make pumpkin butter to use on everything!
Ingredients:
• 7 dates soaked in hot water to soften, then drained
• 1 can organic pumpkin purée
• 3 Tbsp raw honey
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• Pumpkin pie spice to taste, I used about 2 teaspoons (or use cinnamon, ginger, cloves & nutmeg)
This isn’t super sweet so taste it as you make it (benefits of being the cook!) and if you like it a little sweeter, add some more honey.
How to make it:
Soak dates in hot water to soften, about 10-15 minutes, then drain the water out. Purée all ingredients in a food processor til smooth (no food processor, use your ninja!). Transfer to a mason jar or any jar with an air tight lid and store in the fridge.
What to do with it:
Toast topper
Add it to yogurt
Top a rice cake with it
Mix it with cream cheese for a dip for apples or crustini
Ice cream topping
Add it to smoothies and protein drinks
What will YOU use this delicious Pumpkin Butter on? Comment below and let me know. Or post it on social media and tag me, I’d love to hear from you!
