Pumpkin juice, salmon and split pea jellies

Pumpkin juice, salmon and split pea jellies

Pumpkin juice is the basis of these healthy jelly treats. I’ve written about the nutritional virtues of pumpkin and how to roast it in preparation for the onwards chain of “circular cooking”, in jellies, purées, soups, dried skins and more.

As an example, here’s a recipe for jellies created from pumpkin juice that was saved after roasting just one very juicy pumpkin.

Roasting pumpkin

Roast the pumpkin as described. Be careful as you remove the pumpkin halves from the oven, making sure that no juice is lost! As you remove the cooked flesh from the skin, place it in a colander and leave it to drain – you’ll be surprised how much fluid accumulates.

The juice can be frozen for future use, either in an ice cube tray or in larger containers. Alternatively, it can be incorporated immediately in other recipes, for example these festive-looking jellies. They’re not only attractive, but also functional food: pumpkin juice contains beta-carotene, and is rich in Vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants[1].

 

 

Easy and healthy

This is a really easy, fun treat for the dogs.

What’s not to like?

• Easy to make
• No waste
• They look good (and our tasters certainly think they taste good)
• Healthy ingredients
• A nice Something Different idea for a doggy present
• Can be made in advance and frozen
• To be eaten semi-frozen or simply as jellies.

 

Making the jellies

Ingredients

500 ml pumpkin juice
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
5 sheets of gelatine
100g cooked yellow split peas
100g leftover cooked salmon, chopped into small pieces

*  See below for the benefits of the individual ingredients at a glance.

Method

Soak gelatine sheets in small bowl of water in small bowl of water.

In the meantime, bring the pumpkin juice to the boil and add turmeric and ginger powder.

Squeeze the gelatine sheets to remove excess water, add to the pan with pumpkin juice. Stir until gelatine has dissolved.

Then add the cooked yellow split peas and cooked salmon. Stir to distribute.

Remove from the heat, allow mixture to cool and then decant into small sweet moulds before the mixture sets. Place in refrigerator for around two hours.

Ready to serve…

These jellies can also be frozen. Remove from the freezer and either allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator or serve as ices. If serving as ices, leave for around five minutes to soften slightly: it may require some patience on the part of your dog, but it removes the risk of damage to the teeth or the roof of the mouth.

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And here’s what else you can make/extract from one roasted pumpkin:

 

References:

[1] AlJahani, A. and Cheikhousman, R. (2017), “Nutritional and sensory evaluation of pumpkin-based (Cucurbita maxima) functional juice”, Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 47 No. 3, pp. 346-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-07-2016-0109

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Ingredients: the benefits at a glance

Pumpkin juice is a hydrating and nutrient-rich liquid extracted from fresh or roasted pumpkin. It contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which support eye health, immune function and skin health. Pumpkin juice is also a source of vitamins A, C, and B6, which aid in immune support, cognitive function, and energy metabolism. Moreover, it provides potassium, which supports muscle function, nerve transmission and hydration.

Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and reduce inflammation. The flesh of wild salmon contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives it its pink-orange colour and helps protect against oxidative damage. Salmon also provides essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus for muscle and bone health, selenium to support immune function and cellular health, B vitamins to support energy metabolism, nerve function and the production of red blood cells, and vitamin D which is essential for calcium absorption, promoting bone health.

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can support overall health in dogs. Gingerol in particular is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and antiviral effects. Anti-inflammatories can be beneficial for dogs suffering arthritis and help improve mobility in dogs with joint conditions. Antioxidants help to combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Ginger has also been shown to promote blood circulation, soothe upset stomachs and help with issues such as nausea (e.g. motion sickness), bloating and gas.

Split peas are a nutrient-dense legume, rich in dietary fibre that supports healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Split peas also contain important vitamins like B1 (thiamine), which supports energy metabolism and nerve function, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium, which contribute to muscle function, heart health and overall wellness.

Turmeric, traditionally used as a vitality booster, is a vibrant yellow spice with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall health in dogs. Studies have shown that its active compound, curcumin, may be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis, by helping to help reduce joint inflammation. It also supports cognitive function, and a healthy immune response. Turmeric is also believed to aid in digestion and has been associated with cardiovascular and cellular health benefits.

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Important Considerations:

• Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
• As some commercial foods contain pumpkin as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any food can lead to adverse effects.
• Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
• Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
• I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
• Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.