All pumpkins and melons, are in the same family as gourds and squash. As such, some can be interchanged. We should use what is locally and seasonally available, and better for certain recipes instead of ABUSING the big, orange, classic Jack o’ Lantern pumpkin for pies, soups, and other fall staples. Cucurbita pepo, pumpkins, originate from Mexico. Their name derives from the Greek pepon, meaning large melon. Pumpkins come in a variety of colors, yellow, white, green, and red. They are cousins to butternut and acorn squash. Sweet potatoes (and yams) have a very similar flavor profile. There are so many options outside of traditional pumpkins which is lucky for those, like me, who happen to be allergic.

As for Pumpkin Pie Spice, let’s be clear. The spice blend has nothing to do with pumpkin, specifically. The spice blend expands the pumpkin flavor profile when used for pumpkin pie. The same spices that are used for gingerbread or snickerdoodle cookies are the mythical “pumpkin spice”. As a health coach, I would prefer people diversify the types of foods that can be cooked with this spice blend. I have presented interesting swaps below -

#1. Squash That

Replace harvested pumpkin with butternut, acorn, delicata, mini calabash or another dense fleshed gourd (in season) for soups

#2. Re-Root

Sweet potato, Japanese yams, even braised carrots & parsnips, add a new dimension to baked goods such as pies, breads, and cookies

#3. Be Lentil

Steamed brown or yellow lentils, black, small red kidney or great northern beans for savory side dishes

#4 Bonus Suggestion

Try spiced walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or sunflower or pumpkin seeds as a topping in breakfast dishes or salads, or for snacking

All of these options turn out delicious, flavorful changes to your regular “pumpkin spice” holiday foods and drinks.

Savory Spice Blend (Pumpkin Pie Spice) Recipe (Courtesy of Elanina Newton of The Rising Spoon)

Makes Approx 1/4 Cup

1 tsp Ground All-Spice

1 tsp Ground Nutmeg

1 tsp Ground Ginger

1/2 tsp Ground Cloves

2 pinches of Ground Cardamon

2 tbsps Ground Cinnamon

Whisk all together and store in an airtight container

With these new options in your arsenal, you’ll be able to make a variety of holiday treats year round. You may even find pumpkin to be a little lack luster! Be well friends!

Sheila Sledge is a IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach and founder of the Healthy Heights Holistic Coaching Practice.