Discovering Pumpkin & Squash

If you ask an ordinary kid about a pumpkin, he or she will probably tell you about jack-o’-lanterns and pie. While these are both fine uses, the students who attend Purple Asparagus’ Delicious Nutritious Adventures program will explain that these two only scratch the surface of the pumpkin’s potential.

These days, I’m travelling from school to school in Chicago teaching our Days of Squash and Pumpkin curriculum. In addition to the pie pumpkin, we introduce elementary school students to Kabocha, Carnival and Sweet Dumpling squash, to name a few.

Our kids know that winter squash is an American original, born in Mexico and introduced to the Old World by Christopher Columbus. They will also explain that the Native Americans included squash in the sanctified trinity of the Three Sisters, along with beans and corn. The beans grew by embracing the corn stalks in lieu of a trellis. The squash lay at the feet of both, protecting its siblings from weed intrusions.

They’ll be sure to share that the tradition of lighting candles inside a carved pumpkin at Halloween is originally from Ireland, where lit vegetables were hung in the window to ward off a wayward soul condemned by the devil to walk the earth for all eternity.

Our students can tell you all this, but most importantly, they will explain that the culinary uses for squash and pumpkin are nearly endless. During our one-hour class, winter squash is smeared onto tortillas for quesadillas, stirred into yogurt with honey and cinnamon, and whirred in a blender with apple cider and bananas to create a smoothie. Our kids will never look at a carved pumpkin in the same way.

Looking to expand your child’s pumpkin and squash repertoire — or your own, for that matter? Take these three simple steps.

Pick up pumpkins

Pumpkin picking is a fun autumn weekend activity. Seek out a farm that grows more than the standard carving pumpkin. If time or circumstances don’t permit a trip to the field, visit a farmers’ market. More and more small farmers are growing a dizzying variety of squash. Pick up a handful of varieties.

Taste test

When you get home, treat your kids to a squash tasting. Once you’ve halved the squash and removed the seeds, roast them, flesh side down, on a baking sheet at 350°F for an hour or until tender. Once cool, puree them. Set the different purees out in small bowls to taste and explore. It’s amazing how different in color and texture they can be. Once you’re done, pack them up and refrigerate for a week or freeze for up to six months.

Imagine and enjoy

Once you pack up the purees, let your imagination take over. Squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as potassium and fiber. It’s soft, squishy and sweet — all food traits that kids love. Stir it into soups, oatmeal and pancakes. Mix a cup or so into your favorite mac and cheese recipe – it’s a natural food coloring that adds a nutritional punch. Or you could try one of the most popular recipes from Delicious Nutritious Adventures: Squash-Banana Smoothie.

Squash-Banana Smoothie

1/3 cup squash puree

1 overripe banana, peeled

1/2 cup apple cider

A few ice cubes

In a blender, combine the squash puree, banana, apple cider and ice cubes and puree until smooth. Serves 1.