Halloween: How much do you know about pumpkins?

Pumpkins can be an easy and affordable way to boost your health and add colour to meals.

With pumpkins being a key part of your Halloween decorations, Ribble Farm’s pumpkins are grown in the fields in Shropshire and are ideal for carving Jack O’ Lanterns. Each pumpkin is unique in shape and size, allowing for all sort of unusual designs.

Pumpkins, squashes and gourds are members of the enormously diverse Cucurbitaceae family. Some unique and unusual squashes and gourds are ideal for decorative purposes and carving out spooky designs but they also make a great range of dishes.

Why not use pumpkins, squashes and gourds in a delicious, warming risotto? Or hollow them out and use them as a serving dish for a warm broth or rich, cheesy fondue?

3 Interesting benefits from eating pumpkins

1. Pumpkins help boost immunity to keep you well

Both pumpkin flesh and seeds are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, including beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Beta-carotene is good for your immune system because it’s converted into vitamin A, triggering the creation of white blood cells, which fight infection and help keep you well.

2. Pumpkins help keep your eyes healthy

In addition to their immune benefits, beta-carotene and the other carotenoids, including lutein, are important for eye health.

3. Pumpkins help keep your skin healthy

Both pumThe antioxidants in pumpkins, particularly the carotenoids and vitamins C and E, help improve your skin's health.