Pumpkin is the word the American Colonists used to describe the “large melon” (originally a Greek word; pepon) that we now carve on Halloween and use in pumpkin pies. Did you know that the top Pumpkin producing states are California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois? Here’s another pumpkin factoid: Nestle Foods produces 85% of processed pumpkin in our country.

Pumpkin has many other uses. I love hearing from readers with their ideas and input in the comment section of this article. I had one reader tell me about pumpkin ravioli. I tried it with a marinara sauce and it was creamy and delicious.

Pumpkin extract is touted to promote damaged pancreatic cells in rats and increased their blood insulin levels in a study of East China Normal University, 2007.

Do you remember the white, salt coated crunchy pumpkin seeds you ate as a kid? I think this might have been a treat on the East Coast. I would eat the whole seed with the shell. Now I have to watch my sodium intake. You can purchase the green seeds at the health food store in bulk. They are loaded with tryptophan. That’s the stuff in turkey and milk that makes you sleepy. Don’t eat pumpkin seeds on a long road trip or before an exam. There are vitamins and protein in the seeds as well.

When my dog had digestive issues the veterinarian told me to feed him canned pumpkin. He loved it and it helped aid his digestion because of the high fiber and soothing properties.

Pumpkin bread pudding is delicious. You can add it to any bread pudding recipe. Starbucks has their Pumpkin Latte in their stores for the fall season. I cannot resist the smell of the cinnamon and nutmeg. You can make your own at home by sprinkling the “pumpkin spice” that McCormick spices makes. It is a close match to Starbucks and less expensive.

I have tried pumpkin soup and made dog cookies with canned pumpkin. Pumpkin ice cream is tasty but hard to find. If anyone knows where I can find pumpkin ice cream I will be your best friend for life. Whatever you do with pumpkin this month, remember to spread the Aloha Spirit and share with someone less fortunate. Happy fall season to all you good people.