The ubiquitous appearance of pumpkins, whether in “patches” on street corners or infused in expensive Starbucks drinks, marks the ofC/B,Bcial arrival of autumn. However, pumpkins are fruits which provide versatility beyond carving or tasty tarts and can be found hiding in everything from health remedies to mixed drinks.
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, carotenoids and zinc, which helps to combat colds and other viruses. It proved very useful to Native Americans, many of whom made mats and rugs from its rinds and derived medicines from its seeds during harvest time, and the pumpkin remains quite variably valuable to modern-day American society.
Pumpkin spice lattes are readily available at nearly any coffee shop, and smoothies or even cocktails can be easily mixed at home. Ice, pumpkin puree, C/B,avored vodka, honey and lime juice blended together yields a fall-C/B,avored “adult” drink. For those who do not typically induldge in alcoholic beverages, replacing the vodka with vanilla ice cream and milk results in a scrumptious pumpkin smoothie.
Pumpkin is cosmetically beneC/B,Bcial, too. Combined with other antioxidants like green tea or honey, it can create an exfoliating, moisture-rich facial mask; blended and mixed with coconut milk and cinnamon, pumpkin can be a key ingredient in crafting an aromatherapeutic body cream and because it contains vitamins A, C and E, pumpkin puree naturally replenishes the skin.
Pumpkin is also 90 percent water and low in calories – keep that in mind while munching and sipping on all those tasty treats.
