![\"Pumpkins](\"https:\/\/culinaryambition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/pumpkins-ready-in-field.jpg\" "\\"Pumpkins")
Pumpkin is significant in culture as a decorative piece when the summer turns to Autumn (Fall). <\/p>\nNational Pumpkin Day is an important celebration in both the US and Canada because this lovely orange squash is a major part of traditional folklore and the diet. <\/p>\n
From September until the end of December, pumpkins are found everywhere, whether in food, ornaments, rituals, or fun!<\/p>\n
Pumpkin is significant in culture as a decorative piece when the summer turns to Autumn (Fall). <\/p>\n
You’ll see front porches adorned with all sizes of pumpkins, coloured leaves, and bales of straw or hay. <\/p>\n
Of course, once Halloween arrives, there are plenty of carved and lit jack-o’-lanterns to frighten any visitor.<\/p>\n
Then, there are not many families that would miss out on their pumpkin pie at Christmas<\/a> or Thanksgiving. But it is one of those desserts that is readily enjoyed all year round after a big meal, or just as a treat with a a cup of tea<\/a>.<\/p>\n Further, eating pumpkin has many health benefits and can be dressed up in many ways to make tasty side dishes<\/a>. It works perfect with all meats, other vegetarian dishes, and of course, all by itself as a comforting snack.<\/p>\n Once you’ve baked or boiled your pumpkin, you will want it nice and smooth for your recipes, so have a look at the selection of handy mini food processors<\/a> we have highlighted to make the task easier.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n There’s just not too much bad to say about pumpkins. In fact, it is not enough to have one day dedicated to it, but there is even a National Pumpkin Month, too. That makes sense, though, because it is the harvest time!<\/p>\n So, in keeping with all the celebrations and traditions, now is a good time to round up all our articles about pumpkins to give you some great ideas and recipes to test.<\/p>\n Easy to make pumpkin spice mix<\/a> National Pumpkin Day is recognized on October 26th. Needless to say, National Pumpkin Month is October.<\/p>\n Yes, you need the stalk on the pumpkin. The stalk is also called the stem or the peduncle. It is needed for 5 simple reasons:<\/p>\n Although we eat pumpkin as both a fruit and a vegetable, in botany, it is considered a fruit. It is part of the Cucurbitaceae family and comes in many varieties, sizes, and colours. And whilst we tend to eat it in many savoury dishes with our meal because it is not too sweet, pumpkin is in fact, a fruit. <\/p>\n If you like to bake fancy pumpkin cookies, take a peek at the cutest cookie cutters<\/a> to make your cookies more fun to eat and show!<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Canned pumpkin can stay good in the fridge for four days, as long as it is stored in a container with a proper lid.<\/p>\n To find the best containers to store<\/a> your own pumpkin or store-bought canned, we’ve done a set of reviews to help you out.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In fact, canned pumpkin is a really easy way to do your baking since you don’t have all the work of picking out a pumpkin, cleaning it, cutting it up, and cooking it. <\/p>\n And if you buy straight pumpkin, and not pumpkin pie filling, you can use the canned pumpkin in recipes the same as your own cooked pumpkin.<\/p>\n Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices that are commonly used in making pumpkin pie, as well as other autumn-time desserts and dishes. <\/p>\n Quick tip for making pumpkin pie:<\/strong> But one of the easiest, fastest, and cleanest ways to pour the mixture into the crust is with a ladle. Our reviews on the best soup ladles<\/a> will surely help you with your pumpkin pie baking.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n See our full recipe with instructions for pumpkin pie spice.<\/a><\/p>\n The mixture for pumpkin pie spice typically includes:<\/p>\n This spice, derived from the inner bark of several tree species, serves as the primary ingredient in pumpkin pie spice due to its sweet and woody aroma.<\/p>\n This spice comes from the seed of the nutmeg tree<\/a> and adds a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of clove.<\/p>\n Ground ginger root<\/a> provides a spicy, slightly peppery kick.<\/p>\n Ground from the flower buds of the clove tree<\/a>, cloves add a strong, sweet, and aromatic flavor.<\/p>\n Despite its name, allspice is a single spice derived from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree. It has flavors similar to cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combined.<\/p>\n While most pumpkin pie spice blends contain these core ingredients, some variations might include other spices like mace or cardamom. <\/p>\n The exact proportions can vary based on personal preference. Many people make their own pumpkin pie spice blend at home to tailor it to their own taste.<\/p>\n Quick tip for making your own pumpkin pie spice:<\/strong> If you prefer to grind your own spices instead of buying them already ground, you’ll want to read our reviews on the best spice grinders<\/em><\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Pumpkin seeds are crunchy, savoury snacks that are not only delicious, but also, nutritious. Packed with essential nutrients and fibre, pumpkin seeds make for a satisfying treat that’s simple to prepare at home.<\/p>\n Roasting or baking pumpkin seeds is easy to do. <\/strong><\/p>\n One way to keep roasted seeds for a longer time is to choose a vacuum sealer<\/a>. The bags are quite handy for popping in the freezer or cupboard.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The pumpkin traces its origins back to Central America, where ancient cultures were cultivating it as early as 5500 BC. Brought to Europe by explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries, the pumpkin quickly became a staple due to its adaptability and robustness.<\/p>\n For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples of North America considered pumpkins a crucial food source, often roasting them over open fires or using them to create rich soups. They also dried and wove strips of pumpkins into mats and used the seeds for medicinal and dietary purposes.<\/p>\n Pumpkins have come to symbolise various aspects of culture and tradition. For many, they represent harvest and bounty. Their vibrant orange hue resonates with the colours of fall, making them symbolic of change and transition.<\/p>\n National Pumpkin Day is not just a celebration of the pumpkin itself, but also, of the many ways in which it has been embedded in our culture. The month of October is marked by a slew of activities:<\/p>\n Families come together to carve intricate and often spooky designs into pumpkins. These illuminated creations become the centerpieces of Halloween decorations.<\/p>\n Across the nation, towns hold festivals dedicated to celebrating the pumpkin. These festivals often feature pumpkin pie eating<\/a> contests, pumpkin seed spitting competitions, and the much-awaited giant pumpkin weigh-offs.<\/p>\n As the weather cools, kitchens warm with the scent of pumpkin pies, breads, cakes, puddings, and lattes. The rich, earthy taste of pumpkin pairs beautifully with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Its versatility means it can be found in both savoury and sweet dishes.<\/p>\n For the artistically inclined, pumpkins can be painted, bedazzled, or transformed into any number of crafts.<\/p>\n Children and adults alike can’t wait to watch their favourite animals get their pumpkin treats. Many zoos offer the wild animals whole pumpkins as part of their enrichment programs<\/a>. Being able to visit the zoo or watching the online videos is a fun activity. <\/p>\n Plus, many people throw their pumpkins into area woods so that the animals have them to eat. Of course, the seeds can grow new pumpkins for the next season.<\/p>\n National Pumpkin Day is truly an occasion to educate people about composting pumpkins or using them as animal feed, ensuring that they don’t go to waste.<\/p>\n National Pumpkin Day<\/a>, though a newer celebration, is rooted in age-old traditions and practices. It’s a day to honour a fruit that has been an integral part of human history for thousands of years. <\/p>\n Although we officially recognise the pumpkin in October, the truth is it is very important from September until the end of December. It features as a major cooking ingredient<\/a> in so many dishes and recipes.<\/p>\n
\nEasy to make pumpkin soup<\/a>
\nTwo easy ways to make pumpkin puree<\/a>
\nSpiced pumpkin pancakes<\/a>
\nSavoury pumpkin and spinach pinwheels<\/a>
\nCrunchy crusted nacho pumpkin wedges<\/a>
\nSangkhaya fak thong: Thai coconut pumpkin custard<\/a>
\nPumpkin custard perfect for Thanksgiving<\/a>
\nStuffed pumpkin meatloaf with pork and veal<\/a>
\nThe humble pumpkin: From edible gourd to Halloween lantern<\/a>
\nHow to carve a pumpkin for Halloween<\/a><\/p>\nWhen is National Pumpkin Day?<\/h2>\n
Do you need the stalk on the pumpkin?<\/h2>\n
![\"National](\"https:\/\/culinaryambition.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/national-pumpkin-day.jpg\" "\\"National")
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Is pumpkin a fruit or vegetable?<\/h2>\n
How long can canned pumpkin stay good in the fridge?<\/h2>\n
What is pumpkin pie spice?<\/h2>\n
\nIt can be really messy adding the pumpkin mix to the crust and you can use a cup or a gravy spoon. <\/p>\nHow to make pumpkin spice<\/h2>\n
Cinnamon:<\/h4>\n
Nutmeg:<\/h4>\n
Ginger:<\/h4>\n
Cloves:<\/h4>\n
Allspice:<\/h4>\n
\nGrinding your own will be fresher, and you can make the exact amount you need so there is less waste.<\/p>\nHow to roast pumpkin seeds<\/h2>\n
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What is the historical significance of pumpkins?<\/h2>\n
What does pumpkin symbolise?<\/h2>\n
Examples of pumpkin use in modern day celebrations<\/h2>\n
Pumpkin carving:<\/h4>\n
Pumpkin festivals:<\/h4>\n
Pumpkin in food:<\/h4>\n
Pumpkin crafts:<\/h4>\n
Pumpkins and animals:<\/h4>\n
Final note on National Pumpkin Day<\/h2>\n