Although “pumpkinâ€� comes from the Greek word pepon – meaning “melonâ€� – pumpkins are not Greek, nor melons. Although they are now grown in many parts of the world, the pumpkin is a North American native and a member of the squash family.

Because pumpkins are usually ripe and ready for harvest in October and November, pumpkin pie has become a tradition during fall holidays. Not only is its nutty, sweet flavor excellent for pies and other pastries, pumpkin is also an excellent source of lutein and beta carotene (which gives pumpkins their characteristic orange color). In addition, a recent study in China suggests that consuming pumpkin may help mitigate some of effects of diabetes (from the London Daily Telegraph, 9 July 2007).

More About Pumpkin Pie

Although pumpkin has a certain degree of natural sweetness, it benefits from the addition of a number of spices when made into a pie filling.

Pumpkin pie spices are those that are associated with desserts and other dishes such as pancakes and yams, and include cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. At Starwest Botanicals, you can get all of these in one package, pre-measured and blended in just the right proportions for your convenience. You can choose from either Certified Organic pumpkin pie spice or regular salt-free Pumpkin Pie Spice, and you can save a great deal when you purchase it by the pound – which will make a good many pumpkin pies!

Either way, Starwest Pumpkin Pie Spices are of the highest quality and properly stored, will keep for many years.

About Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is the foremost Internet supplier of bulk organic herbs and spices as well as essential oils and herbal extracts.