​As Italian foods have become a staple of the U.S. diet, so has this ultimate of Italian herbs, basil. Now available in most markets yearround, basil is an incredibly delicious, pungent herb that of course goes great with Italian dishes as well as an array of other cuisines.

No ingredient has a stronger association with fall than the pumpkin, when this vegetable is elevated from lowly gourd to the star of desserts, meals and tablescapes. However there is much more to this vegetable, both from a culinary and nutrition perspective.

The Hokkaido pumpkin is pretty unknown for us still; however, it has had a steep increase in popularity during fall. Considering many of its amazing properties. So what are they? EAT SMARTER is here to tell you.