We’ve got pumpkin to talk about

Halloween is nearly here, and while that would normally have us thinking about sweets and treats, we’ve got something else on our minds: pumpkin.

It may be an iconic symbol of Halloween, but your Jack ‘O Lantern is more than just a scary face.

Beyond its bright orange colour and sweet taste, the reported health benefits of this fruit (yes, its seeds make pumpkin a fruit, not a vegetable) will make you love it even more than you did before.

According to various scientific studies, pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene – which our bodies convert to vitamin A, helping our eyesight, immune systems and skin. It also has useful antioxidants and potassium which are said to have positive effects on issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Pumpkin is also a great veggie fruit to get fussy kids into eating whole foods. Pureed pumpkin is an easy, healthy food for babies and toddlers, while some kids prefer it over other (read: greener) fruits and veggies because of its appealing colour and taste.

Add to that pumpkin’s versatility and adaptable taste, and you’ve got yourself a certified superfood. No tricks here.

Eager to Google creative ways to add pumpkin into your favourite meals? Read on – we’ve done that part for you. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, these nutritious, delicious recipes are sure to become firm favourites year-round.

Let us know if you give them a whirl.

Baked parmesan pumpkin fries | Get the recipe

Super pumpkin-y lasagne | Get the recipe

Pumpkin pie green smoothie | Get the recipe

Pumpkin scones with a cheesy twist | Get the recipe

Pumpkin brownies | Get the recipe

10 ways to pack pumpkin in your Yumbox

1. Pumpkin, feta, rocket and chickpea salad, perfect packed in a Yumbox Panino or Yumbox Tapas
2. Slices of roast pumpkin in the long section of a Yumbox Original or Yumbox Presto
3. Pumpkin seeds are said to be packed with protein, so they’re a healthy, easy snack for a Snack in the Box
4. Pumpkin puree in the dip well, perfect for dipping crackers
5. Large pumpkin slices in the four-compartment Yumbox Tapas, topped with natural yoghurt and spices like cumin or cinnamon
6. Pumpkin scones taste great hot or cold, making them perfect for lunchbox packing
7. Savoury pumpkin muffins are easy to sneak a load of veggies into and, like scones, taste delicious at whatever temperature
8. Pumpkin soup in a Yumbox Zuppa, particularly during winter
9. Pumpkin-loaded pasta salad in a Yumbox Panino or Yumbox Tapas
10. Mini pumpkin pies, for a little sweet treat