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Canned pumpkin: Better than fresh?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pumpkin/AN01754
- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, Katherine is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition education related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Canned pumpkin: Better than fresh?
I've heard that canned pumpkin is healthier than fresh pumpkin. Is that true?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Not necessarily. Fresh foods generally have a higher nutrient content than do cooked or canned foods. But in this case, both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin are packed with nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin A and iron.
If you want to use fresh pumpkin, look for pumpkins without blemishes that are firm and heavy for their size. Whole pumpkins can be stored in a cool dark place for up to two months. If you use fresh pumpkin for bread, soup, pie or other recipes, don't throw away the seeds. You can bake them for a wholesome, crispy snack.
If you're looking for convenience, canned pumpkin without salt is a healthy alternative. Just check the Nutrition Facts label on the can so that you know what you're getting. Canned pumpkin products may be labeled as "pumpkin," "100% pumpkin" or "pumpkin pie mix." Canned pumpkin pie mix — which some recipes call for — can be much higher in calories than regular canned pumpkin.
Next questionThanksgiving turkey: Can you cook it frozen?
- Pumpkin. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search. Accessed Aug. 10, 2011.
- Pumpkin pie mix, canned. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search. Accessed Aug. 10, 2011.
- Don't just carve that pumpkin, eat it. American Dietetic Association. http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=3356&terms=pumpkin. Accessed Aug. 10, 2011.
- Pumpkin: Nutrition, selection, storage. Produce for Better Health Foundation. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=1361. Accessed Aug. 10, 2011.
- Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 10, 2011.
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