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 percent pumpkin" or "pumpkin pie mix." Canned pumpkin pie mix — which some recipes call for — usually contains added sugar and is therefore higher in calories than regular canned pumpkin. Try using regular pumpkin and reducing the amount of sugar the recipe calls for.

Oct. 19, 2017 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. 5 tasty ways to tweak recipes for healthier eating
  2. A healthier take on a breakfast favorite
  3. A new way to enjoy fresh fruit
  4. A spoonful of sugar helps the veggies go down
  5. Add kick to fresh fruit
  6. Secrets of low-fat cooking
  7. An easy way to add omega-3
  8. Bake with less sugar
  9. Beans and other legumes: Cooking tips
  10. Benefits of cooking at home
  11. Cooking dinner? Try these techniques
  12. Strategies to prepare and enjoy healthy meals at home more often
  13. Pantry basics for a gluten-free holiday
  14. E. coli and food safety
  15. Easy fish for four
  16. Fit more fruit into your diet
  17. Fit in more fruit with a smoothie
  18. Flip your burger
  19. Food safety
  20. Foodborne illness
  21. Get a fiber boost
  22. Gluten-free alternatives to wheat flour
  23. Grilled fruit? Try it!
  24. Healthier recipes? Delete 1 ingredient
  25. Healthy cooking for singles or couples
  26. Healthy cooking make-over
  27. Healthy eating: One step at a time
  28. Ingredient substitutions
  29. Healthy-cooking techniques
  30. Hold the soap when washing fruits and veggies
  31. How long are leftovers safe to eat?
  32. Include food safety in your party plans
  33. Ingredient substitutions that pack a punch
  34. Lentils: How do I cook with them?
  35. Mashed potatoes: Cut the fat
  36. Meatless meals
  37. Menu planning for 1
  38. Mold on your cheddar? Don't despair
  39. Moldy cheese
  40. Olive oil
  41. One-pot meals for healthy eating
  42. Pizza for dessert? Try it!
  43. Put fish on the menu
  44. Quick fix: Acorn squash
  45. Quick fix: Bean salad
  46. Quick fix: Flatbread pizza
  47. Quick fix: Sauteed corn
  48. Quick lunch: Veggie pita pocket
  49. Recipe makeovers
  50. Safely reheat leftovers
  51. Salsa: Not just for chips anymore
  52. Simple steps to making fall soups
  53. Simple ways to cook healthier
  54. Vegetable recipes
  55. Fruit 5 ways
  56. Guide to gourmet salt
  57. Cooking fish
  58. Guide to beans and legumes
  59. Guide to herbs and spices
  60. Sodium: Smarten up
  61. Summer recipe collection
  62. Sweet endings: Poached peaches
  63. Take breakfast with you
  64. Cooking frozen turkey
  65. The right way to wash fruits and vegetables
  66. Top it off with fruit
  67. Try a new salad: Corn and barley
  68. Veggie how to: Grilled vegetable kebabs
  69. Want a healthy dessert? Grill fruit!
  70. Want healthier recipes? Swap ingredients!
  71. What are legumes, anyway?
  72. Cooking oil
  73. Whole grains for a healthy heart
  74. Whole grains
  75. Cook a perfect Thanksgiving dinner