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Color Me Healthy
A pumpkin's vibrant orange color tells us everything we need to know about its health benefits: pumpkins are an excellent source of beta carotene. Our bodies translate beta carotene into Vitamin A and reap its rewards, making us less likely to develop certain cancers as well as other diseases. So basically, it's really good stuff.
Wha’d’ya Know About Pumpkins, Huh?
- They're a fruit!
- Pumpkins are 90 percent water. (And don't let anyone tell you otherwise.)
- Native Americans used to flatten and dry strips of pumpkin, then weave them into mats.
Which Pumpkin?
Keep in mind the jack-o'-lantern pumpkins are mainly for show, and it's the smaller sugar pumpkins you'll want to use if you're baking from scratch.
If you're after convenience, the canned variety works just great, but make sure you get the kind without the spices already mixed in. For more information about baking with fresh pumpkin, read our advice article:
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