Arts & Entertainment
Amuse-bouche: Pumpkins
Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersOne of the most perfect foods isn’t what you might think.
With Halloween right around the corner, there seems to be massive displays of pumpkins everywhere. Their commercial window is short compared to others in their family such as zucchini and winter squashes. The reason is simple; we typically only do three things with pumpkins. We carve them into jack-o-lanterns, we roast the seeds, and we make pie with them once a year.
But we are missing out on one of nature’s most perfect foods.
Native to Central America and Mexico, evidence suggests pumpkins have been cultivated for nearly 7,000 years. They are in the same gourd family as cucumbers, honeydew melon and zucchini. The word pumpkin originated from the Greek word “pepon.” Interestingly, they are one of the only fruits in which the male and female flowers are on the same plant, though only the female flower produces fruit.
Originally pumpkins were not that large or smooth but, much like bell peppers and tomatoes, we have bred them to be more visually appealing.
Something else worth noting: Only pumpkins and tomatoes retain virtually all of their nutritional value during the canning process.
Pumpkins have been part of Thanksgiving festivities since the beginning, but not originally in the form of a perfect crust pie. Rather they were used to make custard in which eggs, cream, honey and spices were combined inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. Then it was baked in the coals of a fire until the outside turned black, and was then scooped out with the custard and soft-baked interior. I’m thinking I’d rather make one of those this year.
But in terms of health and nutrition, it’s hard to beat a pumpkin.
A 4-ounce portion only has about 26 calories, and pumpkins contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. They are rich in fiber as well as antioxidants, and are a virtual storehouse of vitamins.
Pumpkins boast one of the highest levels of vitamin A, which supports vision, the immune system and cell growth.
In addition, they are also high in vitamin C, an essential nutrient in tissue repair. This is beneficial since humans, along with monkeys and guinea pigs, do not produce their own.
Next on the vitamin list is E. Vitamin E is essential to our immune system as well as our overall metabolism.
Pumpkins are also an excellent source of the B complex of vitamins, of which there are too many benefits to mention here.
In addition, they contain zeaxanthin, which is a strong filter against ultra violet rays, thereby protecting our skin and complexion.
They also have countless polyphenolic compounds which then get converted to yet more vitamin A.
As if that isn’t enough, pumpkins are rich in copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
Given the nutritional value, low price and color—studies show orange is the most appealing food color to humans—it’s perplexing to me why pumpkins aren’t utilized more.
I like to flavor hummus with it periodically, and occasionally fold some pumpkin puree into my mashed potatoes. For me, pumpkin is far more useful and nutritious than to be used solely for flavoring your Starbucks latte.
Scott Mechura has spent a life in the hospitality industry. He is a former certified beer judge and currently the Executive Chef at Buck’s T-4 Lodge in Big Sky.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Thursday) 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm