Well, summer is coming to an end đ And really, it feels like it had only just gotten started doesnât it? Sadly that means an end, for now, to our nourish bowls and puff pastry tartlets - we hope you enjoyed them! Still, much as weâll miss the sun (what we saw of it anyway) & slightly warmer temperatures, autumn does have its advantages. Not least of which will be a couple of new seasonal specials!
Having spent a few years living in North America, we managed to develop a fondness for a little appreciated (on this side of the pond anyway!) ingredient - pumpkin. This under-valued fruit tends only to make an appearance in the UK around halloween & then only to be carved up in many weird and wonderful forms. But the nutritional benefits of pumpkin are numerous and with the right blend of spices to set off its unique flavour, it can really add something to your autumn menu. And if the flavour of pumpkin just isn't for you, there's always the seeds (pepitas) which you can find in any grocery store. Amongst other benefits, these are rich in antioxidants and we like to eat them tossed over a salad to give it a lovely nutty crunch.
So, how about those health benefits anyway? Well, here are just a few of the ways adding a little pumpkin to your diet can benefit you.
High in fibre which aids digestion - also rich in pectin, a type of soluble fibre. Pectin is a natural prebiotic, which helps feed the good, healthy probiotic microbes in the gut.
High in potassium which can help lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease and stroke.
Full of beta-carotene (the orange/red pigment in orange fruit and veg) which the body converts to antioxidant-rich vitamin A that supports healthy eyes, skin and immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties
A great source of immune-boosting nutrients like iron and vitamins A, C, and E, and contributes to the increased absorption of iron.
Highly nutritious
But donât take our word for it, many clever folks have been on the band-wagon long before us touting the health benefits of this particular food. Here's the BBC with a run-down of their top 5 highlights, as well as links to a few of their own recipes featuring pumpkin as the star ingredient. And here's health going one better with their 6 top benefits as well as a handy list of the many forms in which this fruit can be enjoyed, not neglecting their tasty seeds.
And what might these new seasonal products be? Well, we have three likely prospects on the horizon in the form of a little dessert, a light snack and a temporary addition to our soup range. Weâre just finalising the recipes now but weâll be back to confirm them with full details in an upcoming blog post.
See you soon!
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