Take a cue from lovable Peanuts comics character Linus: Believe in The Great Pumpkin!

The great gourd is one of the mightiest of the squash family, chock-full of nutrients and flavour. If you plan to carve a Jack-o’-lantern this weekend, be sure to salvage the goopy, stringy innards and seeds for cooking up a pie or pumpkin pancakes - or for roasting up a handful of iron-and-zinc rich snacks.

Why pumpkin is so pleasing:

> You can gaze upon the gorgeousness of gourds with healthy vision, supported by an abundance of the antioxidant beta-carotene. This carotenoid converts to vitamin A when eaten, and protects the body - especially the eyes - from free radical damage.

> Dig into a pumpkin for a potassium punch. This mineral is crucial to proper functioning of the kidneys and heart, as well as the muscles and nerves.

> Hidden inside all of the many shape and sizes of squash you’ll find fibre, essential for digestive health, and the maintenance of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Oh, I just remembered that one of the most surprisingly delicious dishes I’ve ever had was a roasted pumpkin stir-fry at a Thai restaurant - warm, savory, starchy, filling, and flavourful. Great, indeed.

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