Q: Is pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable, and does a pumpkin spice latte count as a serving of either for the day?

A: Great Question, you might be surprised to learn that pumpkin is a fruit! And I would love to tell you that it counts towards your daily fruit and veggie goals but I’m sorry to say that the pumpkin spice lattes that we find at our favorite coffee shops do NOT actually have any pumpkin in them and therefore do not count. These concoctions usually only contain the pumpkin pie spices added to a normal latte with some whipped cream on top. Now here is the catch, it is possible for you to make your own pumpkin spice latte WITH real pumpkin at home. There are a number of recipes online, I have not tried any of them myself so did not feel comfortable includingor promoting any specific one, but if you do try any and find one thatyou like, please send it my way so I can share with others. Pumpkin is a very healthy food. This orange gourd contains vitamin A, C and E whichbenefit the eyes, skin and heart. There are also additional antioxidantsfound in this food that improve health in a number of different ways.Pumpkin is loaded with fiber, which is good for the heart and weightmanagement, as well as heart healthy phytosterols which help prevent high cholesterol. So save yourself a few dollars and do something goodfor yourself and next time you are craving that pumpkiny goodness, tryyour hand at a healthier version from home.