photo by Tim Straube

Cinderella used hers as a taxi. The headless horseman used his as a noggin. But it was Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater who seemed to put his pumpkin to best use.

Dating back to the Greek’s “pepon,” meaning “large melon,” pumpkins have a long-standing history of odd uses. From “removing” freckles and “curing” snakebites, to the Native American’s more practical craft of weaving dried pumpkin into mats, the orange gourd has taken on many forms. 

Today, the tradition continues, as the benefits of pumpkin are continually touted by dietitians, doctors and scientists. Offering lots of taste for its considerably low-fat, low-calorie content, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, beta carotene and Vitamin A, and a good source of potassium. 

Nutritional benefits include the promotion of bones and teeth; formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes; increased resistance to respiratory infections; and treatment of many eye disorders. When applied externally, pumpkin can also aid in the treatment of acne and other minor skin irritations.

Of course, no one wants to eat chunks of fresh pumpkin for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Luckily, you don’t have to. Incorporating October’s most edible decoration can be as easy as pie … or bread … or muffins.

Sound too obvious? How about serving up a main course of pumpkin souffle, accompanied by a side of warm pumpkin soup? And why not finish off your meal with a rich pumpkin cheesecake, chewy pumpkin bars or homemade pumpkin cookies? 

For those of you who just hate to throw anything out, roast the seeds for a light snack and do as the Colonists, filling the insides of the pumpkin with milk, honey and spices, and baking in hot ashes, (okay — a convection oven will work, too), to get the original pumpkin pie. 

As you can see, the list goes on and on when it comes to making the most of your Halloween treasure. So settle into your favorite comfy chair with a cup of piping hot Curried Apple-Pumpkin Soup. You’ve got a month full of recipes to play with — enjoy it while you can. Turkey isn’t nearly so versatile.