Major points
- This post provides inspiration and tips for the upcoming pumpkin, autumn, and Halloween season.
- Whether it is delicious on a plate or carved into a spooky face for Halloween, pumpkin is one of the most versatile vegetables.
Even the darker season has its beautiful moments: combine a walk in the glowing autumn leaves with a picnic and Neatic treats.
It feels like magic: It starts with subtle changes in the tips of the leaves, and soon the once lush green turns into a blazing foliage fire, glowing in yellow, orange, and red—the arrival of autumn. Nature is bathed in a golden light that is unlike any other time of the year.
Pumpkin – a berry classified as a vegetable
With autumn comes pumpkin season, around the same time as the prime season for local mushrooms. Pumpkins have been grown in Europe since the 16th century, making them one of the oldest cultivated plants. Botanically speaking, the pumpkin is a berry, but according to food definitions, it is classified as a vegetable rather than fruit. Pumpkins originally come from Central and South America and were brought to Europe thanks to Christopher Columbus. Today, there are over 1,000 different varieties of pumpkins, and new types are introduced every year. For home use, pumpkins are usually categorized into ornamental, oil, and edible pumpkins.
Pumpkins are true “all-rounders.” They are made up of about 90% water, and 100 grams of pumpkin flesh contain only about 25 kilocalories. Pumpkins are rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. The seeds contain numerous minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Pumpkin seed oil is valued for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and selenium, making it both healthy and high-quality.
Pumpkin is incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be combined with a variety of foods. This autumn vegetable is truly a superfood. There are countless pumpkin recipes, both sweet and savory. Whether boiled, stewed, roasted, or even grilled, pumpkin is always a treat. A fresh baguette paired with some delicious pumpkin hummus is perfect for any picnic.
By the way, pumpkin is also great for pickling, preserving, or freezing.
Pumpkin – the symbol of Halloween
Halloween is celebrated on the evening before All Saints’ Day, from October 31st to November 1st. The name comes from “All Hallows’ Eve.” Originally, Halloween was mainly celebrated in Ireland, and in the 1930s, Irish immigrants brought the tradition to the United States. Since the 1990s, Halloween has also been increasingly celebrated in Europe.
A well-known Halloween custom is carving faces into pumpkins and using them as decorations in front of homes. Suitable pumpkins for this include the garden pumpkin, the giant pumpkin, or the musk pumpkin. Your creativity knows no bounds – whether spooky, funny, or charming, a carved pumpkin with a glowing candle inside is always a highlight. You can also use the scooped-out pumpkin flesh to make a delicious dish, like pumpkin soup. The pumpkin seeds can be dried, peeled, and used to create a tasty nut mix along with other ingredients.
This way, your Halloween pumpkin is fully utilized, making it sustainable.
Autumn – the perfect time for walks, picnics, and homemade decorations
Autumn is the season of ripe fruits and harvests, but also of storms. It is the perfect time to fly a kite and marvel at the power of nature. How about a leaf fight followed by a cozy picnic on a warm blanket amidst the fallen leaves? Treat yourself to a lovely hot tea or fruit punch from your picnic basket, paired with a delicious fruit loaf or savory snack bar. You can find more inspiration for your autumn picnic in our recipes and blog.
During an autumn walk, always have a bag or basket with you so you can collect chestnuts, beech nuts, acorns, rose hips, colorful leaves, and pinecones. With these natural materials, you can create small figures and wreaths. Place the colorful collection on a tray or large plate, add a candle in the center, and you have a natural and unique decoration.
We wish you a wonderful autumn and a smooth transition into the darker season.
“Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.” (Albert Camus)
