Taby on Autumn’s True Star – The Hidden Secrets of Pumpkin Season

Alright, let’s be honest: autumn belongs to pumpkins. And personally? I’m obsessed. Just the smell makes me want to purr! But before I dive nose-first into a bowl of purée, let me tell you why this orange wonder is not only delicious and pretty but also a true nutritional superstar.

First of all, pumpkin isn’t actually a vegetable — it’s a fruit. Yes, you heard me right! Botanically, it’s part of the gourd family, and since its seeds are inside the flesh, it counts as a fruit. (Finally, a fruit I can proudly say I adore!)

Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in the body. It helps keep your coat shiny — and for humans, it keeps the skin glowing too — while also supporting healthy vision. So if you eat enough pumpkin, you’ll see better in the dark and shine brighter. (I already shine, of course — but I’m sure the pumpkin purée I eat has something to do with it!)

Did you know that pumpkin seeds are a natural dewormer? Before modern medicine, people used them to protect their cats and dogs. They’re also rich in zinc, which strengthens claws, skin, and — believe it or not — improves mood. Yes, pumpkins can help ease seasonal depression thanks to tryptophan, which boosts serotonin levels. Translation: eating pumpkin makes you happier.

Here’s another fun fact: pumpkins are among the oldest cultivated plants on Earth. Humans were eating them over 7,500 years ago — though mostly the seeds, since the flesh was bitter and hard. The sweet, orange variety we love today only spread to Europe after the discovery of America.

And now, to the important part: a little pumpkin spice latte, creamy soup, or honey-roasted pumpkin — and you’ve captured the best of autumn in a single bite. Personally, I’m all for pumpkin muffins (or at least the leftover batter — purely for research purposes, of course).

So if someone asks me what my favorite autumn fruit is, my answer is simple:

“The one that’s roasted and smells divine in the kitchen.” 😻

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to check what’s cooking — for science, naturally.

- Taby