The savory and sweet orange orb called pumpkins

Pumpkins are center stage this month – in front of grocery stores, on candy wrappers, in decorations, and yes, even in our recipes. There’s a lot more to those hard shell jack-o-lanterns than decoration and pies, though.

The pumpkin originated in Central America, named from “pepon,” which is the Greek word for large melon. It is a fruit, loaded with potassium and vitamin A and helps reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer as well as help protect the eyes.

It’s rich in carotenoids that helps keep our immune system strong and healthy. Pumpkins contain lots of fiber, and offers zinc as one of it...