Pumpkins are one of the most popular crops in the United States, with 1.5 billion pounds produced each year. Actually a form of squash, they are usually planted in July and reach maturation quickly, in about 100 days, making them ready for fall festivities by mid-to-late September. There are white pumpkins and orange pumpkins, pumpkins for carving, pumpkins for baking, pumpkins for eating, and yes, even pumpkins for catapulting. The monstrous pumpkins, called Big Macs, can weigh hundreds and even thousands of pounds. They get their start in April or May and are usually grown for competitions and shows. 

Pick Your Patch

Sprouts typically offers a lot of varieties of pumpkins, and shall we say at, um, smashing prices! We proudly offer:

Carving Pumpkins:

Medium to large in size and solid orange in color. Shapes can range from tall, to short, to squatty. Best for jack-o-lanterns.

Pie Pumpkins:

Small in size with stem intact. Great for pies.

Painted Pumpkins:

These guys are full of character and come with fun and silly faces already painted on.

White Pumpkins:

Best for pumpkin pies. This is the pumpkin used for canning.

Fairy Tale Pumpkins:

Flat with deep round ribs and light tan in color. Also known as Castilla Squash.

Cinderella Pumpkins:

An ornamental novelty pumpkin. Deep red-orange, flattened and scarred. It was the prototype for Cinderella’s carriage.

Tiger Pumpkins:

Small and greenish in color with green/orange stripes.

Mini-Pumpkins:

White or orange with little stems. Great in centerpiece arrangements. While you’re picking up the perfect pumpkin to carve up for Halloween, consider grabbing an extra one so you can experiment with the culinary possibilities. They are very nutritious, containing potassium (essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system) and Vitamin A (promotes eye and vision health). And they are almost entirely edible, so roast the seeds for an addictive snack and cook the flesh for soul-soothing pumpkin soup.

Décor to Adore!

Spread the pumpkin cheer a little longer! Ever notice how quickly your jack-o-lanterns start to take a turn for the worse? Cutting the pumpkins and exposing their moist flesh to the air promotes decay and mold growth, especially in warmer climates. Avoid the mess and try these alternatives for some fall décor that will last until you’re ready to garnish with garland or dust off the dreidel.

Chalkboard Gourd:

Instead of carving a design, draw one. Coat pumpkin with chalkboard paint and let dry. Practice your artistic skills by drawing scary faces or writing festive messages. Choose a larger pumpkin for this project.

Pump Spray:

Pump some more life into your pumpkin by coating it after carving. This will help keep it moist and retard the spoilage. You can coat the cut edges and interior with Vaseline or vegetable oil, or apply hairspray. (Only, if you do that, be careful to let it dry thoroughly before putting a candle inside!) You can also mist the cut pumpkin each day to help keep it moist. Pumpkin Panache: Let your inner Martha sparkle and shine! Liberally paint your pumpkin with crafter glue, then quickly and generously cover with super-fine glitter. A cluster of glittered mini-pumpkins would make a stunning centerpiece. Tip: make sure you cover your workspace with newspaper for easy clean-up. What a Stud: Purchase decorative nails or upholstery studs from a craft store and use to pierce a fun design into your gourd. Try a funky design or even a monogram for a sophisticated flare. You may want to stencil your desired pattern before you start poking!  

The perfect picnic is right around the corner! At Sprouts Market Corner Deli, you can find quick fixes that are full of flavor and super simple—the only thing you’ll need is the basket. To keep the bugs and rays at bay, remember the sun block and bug spray as well.

Fruit: The Original Grab-n-Go Food

What says summer more than fresh fruit? Vibrant and sweet, cherries are bite-sized, flavor bombs. Chock full of antioxidants, they may support cardiovascular health. Stone fruit is in full swing as well. Deliciously juicy, these ready-to-eat seasonal faves are picnic-ready. And, you can always load up a few packages of our fresh-cut fruit, like juicy watermelon or colorful berries, for a hassle-free, nutritious treat.

Healthy Hydration

Soaring summer temps beg for refreshing beverages to quell your thirst. What’s a picnic without tangy lemonade to whet your appetite? Hydrate deliciously with our sparkling waters in mango, watermelon, lemon, lime or grapefruit. Try these tips for staying hydrated all year long.

Sweet & Salty

Available in four classic flavors, Sprouts organic potato chips provide the perfect crunch to accompany your spread. They’re made with farm-fresh potatoes, sustainably sourced oil, and seasoning. Satisfy the sweet tooth in any crowd with our wafer bites. Imported from Italy, they’re made with rich, velvety cocoa, Bourbon vanilla, sweet lemon cream and buttery hazelnut sandwiched between layers of delicate, airy wafers.

Salad Kits

Featuring seasonal and exotic flavors, these convenient salads can be found in our Grab-and-Go section of the Deli Department. Try our Chicken Bacon salad. Hearty and full of flavor, it’s sure to satisfy. It’s made with chicken, eggs, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, loads of greens and a creamy dressing.

Healthy Sandwiches and Wraps

Step right up to our Deli Department where you’ll find the perfect meats and cheeses for your picnic sandwiches. Piled atop our Market Corner whole-grain breads, you’ll have a satisfying meal in minutes. Wrap up even more convenience! Prepared daily, our wraps are the perfect picnic pairing. Try out some favorites, like our Turkey Cobb Wrap featuring flavorful turkey, bacon, crisp lettuce and rich cream cheese. It’s the perfect spin on a classic favorite. Or spice it up with our Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap, made with our fresh buffalo chicken salad, satisfying veggies and the perfect amount of blue cheese.

Deli Sides

Round out your picnic line-up with some of our freshly prepared pasta salad or potato salad. Our rich and flavorful Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad features spinach, roasted bell peppers and smoked mozzarella with Parmesan cheese. Or keep it classic with our Corner Classic Potato Salad, prepared with Yukon Gold potatoes, sour cream, chives and spices. It will take your picnic from good to great!

Catering Trays

Plan ahead for a super easy picnic that’s ready when you are with our wide variety of catering trays. From savory meats and cheese, to the freshest produce and sweets, order online or visit the Deli department for the catering tray that’s just right for your picnic.

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Craving More?

For more great picnic ideas, check out this article with delicious summer picnic recipes.

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When selecting pears, gently press your thumb at the neck to test for ripeness: the more give you feel, the riper the pear is. Store at room temperature until they reach optimal ripeness, then refrigerate. Here are some of the pears you will find in Sprouts stores this fall:

Green D’anjou:

Sweet and juicy with a hint of citrus. Best eaten raw.

Red D’anjou

Sweet and juicy with a smooth skin. Great in salads and desserts.

Bartlett:

Signature variety with a delicate skin, sweet taste and juicy bite. Great for snacking, canning or baking.

Bosc:

Crisp and sweet. Good choice for baking or poaching because they keep their shape.

Comicle:

Buttery and exceptionally sweet. Favorite in holiday gift baskets and elegant desserts.

Forelle:

Crisp and tangy. Pairs well with cheese.

Seckel:

Bite-size, crunchy and ultra-sweet. Excellent for children’s snacks, pickling or garnish.

Starkrimson:

Sweet with a subtle floral aroma. Perfect for snacking, salads, or any fresh use that shows off its crimson skin.  

Stay healthy this summer with sun-smart lifestyle choices! Applying natural sunscreen is important but it shouldn’t be your only protection from the sun. Be sure to practice these helpful sun safety precautions courtesy of our partners at the Environmental Working Group.

How to Prevent Sunburn

Check your skin regularly for new moles that are tender or growing. Ask your primary care doctor how often you should see a dermatologist. The best defenses against getting too much harmful UV radiation are protective clothing, shade and timing. Here’s a checklist:

• Don’t get burned – Red, sore, blistered or peeling skin means far too much sun—and raises your skin cancer risk.
• Wear clothes – Shirts, hats, shorts and pants provide the best protection from UV ray—and they don’t coat your skin with goop.
• Find shade—or make it – Picnic under a tree, read beneath an umbrella, take a canopy to the beach. Keep infants in the shade, as they lack the tanning pigments known as melanin to protect their skin.
• Plan around the sun – Go outdoors in early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower. UV radiation peaks at midday.
• Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory – Good shades protect your eyes from UV radiation that causes cataracts.

Got Your Vitamin D?

Many people don’t get enough vitamin D, a hormone manufactured by the skin in the presence of sunlight. Your doctor can test your level and recommend supplements if you are low in this vital nutrient.

How to Repel Bugs, Naturally

Being outdoors is always more enjoyable when we’re not fending off mosquitos, and other biting and stinging insects. Reaching for bug repellant is a great idea, and if you want chemical-free options, we’ve got your back, (legs and arms). Natural plant-based alternatives are a great way to go. They feature essential oils like citronella and lemongrass among others. These fragrant oils smell good to us—but keep bugs at bay—so you can enjoy your next outdoor adventure.

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Sun Care Source: http://www.ewg.org/sunsafety/tips-how-to-pick-a-good-sunscreen.php  

What’s not to love about mashed potatoes? They’re creamy, buttery and have been a holiday staple for as long as you can remember. However, they’re usually loaded with milk and butter, making this seasonal favorite not so diet-friendly. If you’re trying to save a few calories, these three mashed options make a great addition to your plate. Go ahead and help yourself to seconds, or even thirds!

Parsnip and Carrot Mash:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. Parsnips, peeled
• 2–3 med. Carrots, peeled
• 2 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 4 Tbsp. Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil over medium-high heat. Dice the parsnips and carrots and add to the boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain the parsnips and carrots and place in a food processor along with the olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper.
3. Pulse until desired texture. Enjoy!

Butternut Squash and Sage Mash:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Butternut squash, cubed
• 2–3 cloves Garlic
• 1/3 cup Fat-free sour cream
• 3 Tbsp. Butter
• 3/4 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1 tsp. Sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cubed butternut squash to the boiling water. Boil until tender.
2. Remove squash and place in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix with a potato masher until butter has melted. Continue mashing as you add the rest of the ingredients until texture is smooth and fluffy. Enjoy!

White Bean and Pesto Mash:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans White northern beans, drained
• 1/2 cup Vegetable stock
• 1/3 cup Parmesan, finely grated
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Basil pesto
• Pepper, to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

1. Add the drained beans to a saucepan with the vegetable stock. Simmer over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes, or until the beans are very soft. Mash with a potato masher until desired texture.
2. Add the Parmesan, pesto and pepper and mix until well combined.
3. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil to keep from drying out. Enjoy!

 

That’s right! Our very own selection of Sprouts Brand pumpkin items are back—a little earlier this year and with even more delectable options than ever before! From sweetly-spiced pumpkin butters, cookies and gelato, to savory salsas, soups and sauces—Sprouts Brand has something delicious in store for every pumpkin craving. Learn more about Sprouts pumpkin products and learn how to make Pumpkin Pop Tarts from scratch!

• Crumble our classic Pumpkin Spiced Snaps over a scoop of Pumpkin Cinnamon Ice Cream.
• Dip into sweet ‘n spicy Pumpkin Spice Salsa with crunchy Pumpkin Seed Tortilla Chips.
• Start your morning right with a cup of Pumpkin Spice Tea and a bowl of Pumpkin Spice Hot Cereal or Toasted Pumpkin Loops.
• Get a kick out of snacking on Pumpkin Kale Chips, followed by Pumpkin Spice Sparkling Soda.
• Warm up to a bowl of pipin’ hot Pumpkin Soup sprinkled with bulk pepitas.
• Dunk the new Pumpkin Dippers in a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee.
• Make fall-flavored meals and marinades with Pumpkin Molasses BBQ, Pumpkin Pasta Sauce or Pumpkin Vinaigrette.
• Get cookin’ with Organic or Regular Canned Pumpkin.

Let Them Eat Pumpkin!

Go beyond pie to satisfy your sweetly spiced cravings with Sprouts’ decadent pumpkin cinnamon ice cream and four delectable varieties of Sprouts pumpkin cookies.

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Gourd Morning

Put some pumpkin pep in your step with the most important meal of the day! Sprouts has you covered from maple pumpkin butter and aromatic coffees to cereal, granola and applesauce. We’ll make sure you get your fill of this favorite fall flavor.

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Love it, or your money back!

In addition to our irresistible pumpkin products, you’ll find so much more to love from Sprouts Brand when you stroll the aisles. Whether you’re shopping for everyday essentials or looking to try something new, Sprouts Brand offers a wide selection of high-quality natural and organic grocery items. In fact, some of our most popular items include domestic honey, extra virgin olive oil Honeycrisp apple juice, coconut water, kale lasagna and old fashioned snaps and wafers. The best part? You can try them all risk-free with our money-back guarantee.  

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to think about feeling your best! In combination with a healthy lifestyle, herbal supplements can complement your mind-body balance. This season, get ready to feel revitalized, invigorated and energized! Carving out a little time for yourself will go a long way in making you feel blissful. You’ll find interesting tidbits about cinnamon, holy basil, kava kava, maca and olive leaf below. Our vitamin aisles are stocked with a variety of herbal supplements and our friendly vitamin experts are always there to help guide you.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a rich history of use in supporting digestion, acting as a local stimulant and antiseptic and has been present in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

• Supports a healthy response to stress*
• Promotes blood circulation throughout the body*
• Helps to maintain blood sugar metabolism*

Video Description: Our Sprouts Vitamin Manager shares the herb that sparks their Botanical Bliss, Cinnamon.

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Holy Basil

Described as “the incomparable one,” holy basil has been used for more than 3,000 years.

• Supports a healthy response to stress*
• Nourishes the mind and promotes mental clarity*
• Supports vitality as an adaptogenic herb*

Video Description: Our Sprouts Vitamin Manager shares the herb that sparks their Botanical Bliss, Holy Basil.

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Kava Kava

Kava kava is a root found in the South Pacific islands. Its history of use by islanders is significant and it’s long-since been understood to be calming and relaxing.

• Supports a feeling of calmness and relaxation*
• Helps achieve emotional balance*
• Promotes deep and restful sleep*

Video Description: Our Sprouts Vitamin Manager shares the herb that sparks their Botanical Bliss, Kava kava.

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Maca

For centuries, maca has been used as a caffeine-free, plant-based performance enhancer to help reduce stress and increase energy.

• Helps balance the body’s ability to cope and adapt to stress*
• Improves physical endurance and mental stamina*
• Supports natural hormone balance in the body*

Video Description: Our Sprouts Vitamin Manager shares the herb that sparks their Botanical Bliss, Maca.  

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Olive Leaf

The olive leaf has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years.

• Promotes immune vitality and is suitable for both long- and short-term use*
• Contains antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage*
• Supports healthy inflammatory response*

Video Description: Our Sprouts Vitamin Manager shares the herb that sparks their Botanical Bliss, Olive Leaf.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Hosting a Halloween gathering? Mix up a batch of cocktails in advance so you can spend time with party guests. These three fall festive cocktails will get everyone in the Halloween spirit:

Witches’ Brew (Mulled Wine)

I don’t remember a year when I didn’t love Halloween. Each year I dress up and meet with friends for good food, drinks and a dance party. Whether you host or attend a Halloween party, this recipe will keep everyone in the spirit with fall flavors and haunting hues. From The Fond Life

Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle Merlot or Cabernet
• 2 cups Sprouts Apple Juice or Cider
• 2 med. Oranges
• Juice of 1 lemon + 1 tsp. zest
• 10 whole Cloves
• 10 Cardamom pods
• 4 Cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
• 1 whole nutmeg
• Cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Press 10 cloves into one of the oranges. Juice remaining orange and one lemon, zesting 1 tsp. of the rind and set aside.
2. Break up cinnamon into two-inch pieces. Wrap cinnamon, cardamom pods and nutmeg in cheese cloth.
3. Combine wine, Sprouts Apple Juice, whole orange with inserted cloves, orange juice, lemon juice and lemon zest in a pot. Twist your spices in cheesecloth and submerge lightly into the mixture, using the pot’s lid to secure the spices in place. Alternately you can tie the spices with twine and throw the whole thing in.
4. Bring to a light boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly and remove spice bag and whole orange.
6. Serve with additional cinnamon stick and orange peel if desired.

 

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Pumpkin Pie Cider Fizz

This pumpkin pie cider fizz is the perfect way to celebrate the first day of fall (or autumn as I like to call it) and the many more to come. It’s sweet, flavorful and fun—and would make a great Thanksgiving cocktail too! Did I mention it’s only four simple ingredients?! From Nosh and Nourish

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. Sprouts Maple Pumpkin Butter
• 1 Tbsp. Unsweetened cashew milk
• 2 Tbsp. Vodka (optional)
• 1 16.9-oz. bottle Sprouts Sparkling Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider (one bottle makes three cocktails)

Instructions:

1. Combine the pumpkin butter and cashew milk in an 8 ounce glass. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
2. Add in vodka. (Note: if you want to make it a mocktail, just leave out the vodka! It’s still delish.)
3. Top with Sparkling Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider.
4. Stir with a tall spoon.
5. Serve immediately.

For a sugared rim:

1. Combine 1 tablespoon coconut sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in a small dish.
2. Rub an apple slice along the rim of the glass.
3. Dip the glass upside down into the sugar mixture.

 

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Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider with Rum Cocktail

As we head into fall, it’s not quite cold enough for warm cocktails but the change in season does call for something new. While bourbon is often associated with apple cider cocktails, this delicious drink with rum, Sprouts Pumpkin Apple Cider and a cinnamon simple syrup is perfect for those crisp days and cooler nights. Perfect for game day or in front of a fire; the hint of cinnamon makes it extra special and warm. Recipe makes two cocktails. From Creative Culinary

Ingredients:

For the Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Water
• 2 Cinnamon sticks

For the Cocktail:

• 4 oz. Sprouts Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider, chilled
• 3 oz. Dark rum
• 1 oz. Cinnamon simple syrup
• 5 oz. Fresh lemon juice
• Ginger ale, chilled

Instructions:

1. Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup—combine the granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan and heat on medium until the sugar dissolves. Add the cinnamon sticks and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon sticks and cool the syrup to room temperature.
2. Chill two large lowball glasses.
3. Combine Sprouts Pumpkin Apple Cider, dark rum, cinnamon simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake several times until container is ice cold.
4. Fill the chilled glasses with ice, pour the mixture into the glasses, top with ginger ale and gently stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve.