It is just as important in autumn as the colorful leaves on the trees: the pumpkin. Available in a wide variety of versions, it whets the appetite for autumnal delicacies year after year. Some overcook it, others - the more technically gifted among us - carve it into creepy grimaces on Halloween. The orange pumpkin can do a lot more. We have therefore compiled 11 facts about the pumpkin and show you ways in which the autumn vegetables can be processed.  

1. Pumpkin is healthy

It is rich in vitamins A and C, zinc, potassium, magnesium and copper. At the same time, it is relatively low in calories. The perfect autumn vegetable, either as a side dish or as a main course to slim down.

2. A pumpkin is not just a pumpkin

There are over 800 different types of pumpkins worldwide. The best known are probably Hokkaido, butternut and nutmeg squash. Thanks to its thin skin, the Hokkaido pumpkin does not have to be peeled.

3. Ripe like a melon

this is how you make sure you're buying a ripe pumpkin - just tap it like you would a melon. If it sounds hollow, it's ripe.

4. Valuable cores

Not only is the flesh of the pumpkin easy to process, the seeds are also edible. And how! Pumpkin seeds contain blood pressure-lowering omega-3 fatty acids and the amino acid tryptophan - which is partly responsible for the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. Of course, the kernels have to be roasted before they can be eaten.

5. Beautifier Pumpkin Seed Oil

Speaking of which, the valuable pumpkin seed oil can also be obtained from the kernels - this not only tastes good, it is even used in some beauty products. For example, use it as a shower additive for flaky or cracked skin.

6. Pumpkin face mask

Pumpkin flesh on your face may sound weird, but it's not a bad idea if you have dry and stressed skin. Mix 3 tbsp pumpkin puree, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp pumpkin seed oil and 1 tbsp brown cane sugar, apply and leave for a maximum of 10 minutes. Then wash off well.

7. Pumpkin in your hair

Pumpkin is not only good for the skin, but also for the hair. Mix the pureed pumpkin with natural yoghurt and a few drops of coconut oil in a ratio of 2:1 and apply to damp hair. Leave on for a few minutes and wash off.

8. Pumpkin in stock

Pumpkin is very easy to store and will keep for several months in a cool place. So pumpkin lovers can take precautions.

9. Pumpkin on ice

another way to benefit from fruity autumn vegetables for longer is to freeze them. The best way to do this is to peel the pumpkin, cut into cubes, blanch briefly and quench.

10. Large berry

By the way, the pumpkin is officially a berry. Albeit a very big one. The most massive specimen in the USA to date weighed over a ton.

11. Spaghetti Squash

there is the variety spaghetti squash. If the halved fruit is au gratin in the oven, the fibers can then be easily eaten from the skin. You look like spaghetti. Quickly prepared and healthy!