Oh, isn’t Halloween just a blast for the kids? They absolutely adore carving their annual Jack-O-Lanterns. But here’s a fun fact for you: this Halloween season, we’re collectively going to waste a whopping £26.7 million worth of uneaten pumpkins. It’s a bit of a frightening figure, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, instead of tossing those pumpkins aside once the spooky season is over, it’s worth recognizing that pumpkins are way more versatile than mere Halloween decorations. Plus, it’s a great lesson in recycling and upcycling to see what other uses you can find for those pumpkin treasures post-Halloween. Did you know that you can actually eat nearly all parts of your pumpkin, from the seeds to the skin? The only parts you can’t munch on are the stalk and the bits that have had a candle burning in them!
So, I’ve got seven surprising ideas for you to try with your pumpkin. How many of these are you willing to give a shot?
1. Roast up Pumpkin Wedges, Soups, Pies & Cookies
Let’s sprinkle a bit of creative Thai-inspired pumpkin magic into your family movie night this Halloween season. Forget the usual chips; how about roasting some delightful pumpkin wedge chips ‘n’ dips? There’s no need to go through the hassle of peeling your pumpkin. Just slice it into wedges, keeping the skin on, coat them with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan, and pop them in the oven for a nice roast. Serve these wedges with your kids’ favorite dips, and they’re bound to fall in love with the pumpkin hummus – it’s quick to prepare and an absolute delight to savor!
You can also peel the skin from your pumpkin pieces and transform the flesh into soups, bake it into pumpkin pies, whip up savory dishes, or mix it with oats to create some healthy cookies or muffins. The best part is that pumpkin is chock-full of essential nutrients for growing kids, from vitamins C & E to beta-carotene. And if you happen to have a surplus of pumpkin, fret not! You can easily cut the flesh into portions and store them in individual bags in the freezer for future use. Halloween won’t be the only time you get to enjoy those pumpkin goodies!
2. Create a Wildlife Feeder
Now, what to do with those empty pumpkins that you’ve lit up with candles to create that eerie Halloween atmosphere? Don’t worry; they can serve another purpose! Birds absolutely adore pumpkins and aren’t bothered by a few burnt spots. You can leave the pumpkin outside for them to enjoy, or you can fill it with birdseed or nuts for a little snacking fest. It’s a lovely way to keep the Halloween spirit alive while giving back to our feathered friends.
3. Use Leftover Pumpkins to Make Bread
Now, let’s venture into a delightful culinary adventure for those charming seasonal mini-pumpkins or squashes you stumble upon in the vegetable aisle. How about creating a scrumptious pumpkin bread? For this, we’ll borrow a recipe from the renowned chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. This pumpkin bread works wonders with onion squash (which resembles a miniature pumpkin), kabocha squash (the small green one), or the majestic Crown Prince squash (with its striking blue hue). The secret ingredient here is 200g of finely grated raw pumpkin, complemented by raisins, ground almonds, and a hint of lemon zest. It does sound rather tempting, doesn’t it?
4. Plant your Own Pumpkins for Next Halloween
Lastly, how about indulging in some gardening fun with the kids? Embarking on a project to plant pumpkin seeds and nurturing them into your very own pumpkins for the next Halloween can be a truly exciting endeavor. All you’ll need are some pumpkin seeds, some soil, and a few pots. And here’s a little secret: you can even use seeds from the pumpkins you find in the supermarket. After giving the seeds a good rinse, go ahead and plant them in the soil. It’s a great way to bond with your little ones and look forward to a homemade pumpkin harvest next Halloween.
5. Make Pumpkin-themed Christmas Gifts
Homemade gifts can truly show your family and friends how much you care, all while being easy on the budget. How about surprising them with a jar of homemade pumpkin chutney? To whip up this flavorful treat, you’ll need 750g of pumpkin flesh, which is the perfect way to put those insides left after carving to good use. This recipe also includes pumpkin seeds, a blend of spices, apples, and sultanas.
Here’s an important tip for food safety: use the flesh from your hollowed-out pumpkin immediately or store it in the freezer for later use. Once your delectable chutney is ready, let it cool, and then spoon it into jars. To add a touch of holiday charm, go ahead and decorate the jars with ribbons and homemade tags. It’s a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas gift that shows you put thought and effort into making something special for your loved ones.
6. Add your Pumpkin to your Compost
For those of us who may not be particularly keen on cooking with our pumpkin, here’s a more eco-friendly way to dispose of it. Think about adding it to your compost. Tossing food in the regular trash often means it ends up in landfills, where it can’t decompose properly and releases harmful methane, a potent greenhouse gas. So, let’s make a sustainable choice by tossing your pumpkin into a food waste bin or your compost. It’s a small but significant step in reducing our environmental impact.
7. Make Drinks!
Now, let’s infuse a little creativity into our Halloween season with your pumpkin. It can be transformed into a range of delightful drinks, from energizing smoothies to, believe it or not, mulled wine. Start your day off with a pumpkin pie smoothie or delve into the realm of fermented pumpkin and apple soda, which comes with a probiotic punch.
And for those who fancy a bit more kick in their beverages, how about trying your hand at brewing your very own pumpkin ale or crafting a batch of pumpkin mulled wine? This particular recipe even makes use of the stringy bits around the pumpkin seeds, ensuring that no part of the pumpkin goes to waste.
So, regardless of the type of pumpkin you have or which part you’re looking to repurpose, there are easy, creative, and innovative solutions to make the most of this Halloween season! Here’s to happy crafting and repurposing!
