Pumpkin Picking - A Healthy Autumn Activity for All The Family

Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s time to make plans for your next pumpkin patch visit!

Heading out to a pumpkin patch combines the joy of picking your own pumpkin with the excitement of preparing for Halloween.

But it’s not just about pumpkin carving ideas for spooky jack-o-lanterns - eating pumpkins offers plenty of health benefits, so they’re an autumn food staple for anyone following a low-calorie or low-fat diet plan.

Pumpkin picking helps you to connect with nature, support local farmers, and spend quality time with loved ones. Many pumpkin patches offer additional fun activities, such as maize mazes, tractor rides, and petting farms, making them great places for young children.

Pumpkin facts

You can find pumpkin patches all over the UK. To find your nearest one, search online directories like Pumpkin Patches and More, check your local Facebook pages, or speak to your closest farm shop. 

Did you know that a staggering 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are thrown away in the UK every year after Halloween? That’s the equivalent of about 360 million portions of pumpkin pie!

What to do with your leftover pumpkins this year

Why not put your pumpkin to good use with a delicious pumpkin-spiced recipe like this one?

Skinny Pumpkin Spice Brownies

Ingredients:

• 120g pureed pumpkin
• 115g unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp stevia (or other sugar-free sweetener)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 90g plain flour
• 40g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp zero-calorie Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 85g chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius.
2. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with greaseproof paper.
3. Steam or roast the pumpkin until soft, then puree it.
4. Whisk together the melted butter and stevia until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, pureed pumpkin and Pumpkin Spice Syrup. 
7. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and cocoa powder. 
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. 
9. Fold in the chocolate chips - keep a few back to sprinkle on the top!
10. Pour the brownie batter onto the baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top. 
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 
12. Leave it to cool in the baking pan for about 10 minutes, then place it on a wire rack to cool completely. 
13. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal squares.

Are Pumpkins Healthy?

245g of pumpkin contains under 50 calories, so it's very low in calories. Pumpkins are also high in fibre, which helps to promote digestive health and could contribute to effective weight management.

Pumpkins are high in vitamins A and C, which can help boost immunity and improve skin health. They are also a good source of potassium, which is beneficial for heart health.

Pumpkins have a low glycemic index, so they’re a good choice if you’re managing a health condition like diabetes.

Pumpkin seeds are also an excellent source of plant-based protein.

Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your wellies and invite your friends and family to meet you at the local pumpkin patch!