Fall Produce Perfect for Eating

Oct 20, 2022

By Ms. Mary Michaela Parker

Pumpkins, gourds, and squash, oh my! With fall in full effect, I’m buying fall décor all the time. Do I already have several pumpkins on my porch? Yes. Will I be buying more? Also, yes.

Fall produce purchased at your local pumpkin patch or gardening store can also double as cooking ingredients. (Who doesn’t love fall comfort foods?!) Pumpkins, gourds, and squash all are members of the Cucurbitaceae family and share several similar characteristics. When out browsing fall produce, pay attention for these varieties that are perfect for cooking!

Cinderella Pumpkins: These pumpkins are sweet, rich tasting, and are delicious when cooked in desserts.
Peanut Pumpkins: Don’t let the warts turn you off from using them in baked goods! The warts are excess sugars, perfect for baked goods.
Hubbard Squash: This is a versatile fall produce. It’s sweet, golden, and tasty in both sweet and savory fall dishes.
Turban Squash: This type of squash can be used in savory dishes and can be substituted for butternut or acorn squash in recipes.

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L to R: Cinderella Pumpkins, Peanut Pumpkins, Hubbard Squash, Turban Squash (Photos by Canva and MSU Extension)

Don’t be fooled in thinking you can cook with any type of fall produce. Here are two to avoid eating:

Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkins: This type of pumpkin is commonly used for carving. If you’ve ever carved a pumpkin, you are familiar with their stringy and watery texture. Because of that, they’re not great for cooking. The seeds on the other hand, can be roasted for a nice snack!
Ornamental Gourds: You could technically eat a gourd, but it won’t be the easiest to work with or the tastiest treat out there. They have hard shells and don’t taste as great as the other fall produce. It’s best to only use gourds for décor.

Remember to never eat pumpkin after it has been carved. Once a pumpkin has been carved, it’s considered a potentially hazardous or perishable food! Ready more on why you shouldn’t eat carved pumpkins in this article from our friends at Michigan State University Extension.

Want some fun pumpkin recipes for this fall? Check out these Food Factor recipes for pumpkin spice lattes and crustless pumpkin pies.

Source : msstate.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.