Forget ghosts and ghouls – the biggest horror of Halloween is the frightening amount of food waste. You’ve witnessed the familiar scene – sad, smelly, sludgy pumpkins discarded and languishing outside front doors on the first of November.
A scary 18,000 tonnes of uneaten pumpkins are thrown away each year in the UK, according to waste management company Waste Managed.
Environmental charity Hubbub has found that 40% of UK consumers buy pumpkins to carve for Halloween. But 60% said they do not use the pumpkin to make any food such as pumpkin soup and instead just throw it into the general waste bin after they have finished carving.
There’s more to this variety of winter squash than a novelty decoration. This type of squash is edible and rich in vitamins and minerals with plenty of health benefits.
1/ Gut health support
Pumpkins are packed with fibre, a key nutrient that supports gut health. Fibre is important – a diet with plenty of fibre is essential for healthy bowel movements. Plus, it’s associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Research also shows that fibre can help to stabilise blood sugars — but the less processed, the better.
2/ Supports the immune system
The vitamin C in pumpkins is an antioxidant that can support the immune system, helping to protect you from infections and diseases. Pumpkins contain vital vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre – all essential for maintaining good health.
3/ Heart health support
Pumpkins are high in potassium and research has found that potassium-rich diets are linked to having lower blood pressure. A 2022 study by the European Heart Journal found that eating more potassium was linked with a lower risk of having a heart attack and stroke in men, although not quite as much as in women. This study only included people from one county of England and does not reflect the wider UK population.
4/ Eye and skin health support
Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, which is important for eye health and helps support the body as it fights off infection and illness. It’s also important for skin and mucous membrane health, enhancing the body’s initial barriers against infection.
5/ Pumpkins are versatile
Finally, why do we love this seasonal squash so much? Pumpkins can be salvaged and enjoyed in recipes such as this pumpkin pie with a spiced pecan crust to a delicious pumpkin, ginger and coconut soup. Pumpkins, not forgetting the seeds, can be incorporated into soups, salads, desserts and even used as a butter substitute.
Environmental charity Hubbub say carving pumpkins are grown for size, not taste. A smaller pumpkin will be tastier to eat. They suggest decorating your pumpkin instead of carving.
Cue less mess and, more importantly, it keeps the whole pumpkin firm and intact till you’re ready to eat it.
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