Before You Trash That Jack-O’-Lantern, Try These Pumpkin Ideas
That Halloween pumpkin is on the clock. It is about the time of year when the shelf life of these pumpkins begins to expire. While it is perfectly fine to compost the rotting pumpkin, you can also get creative with how you use this leftover gourd. The key is knowing what parts of the pumpkin are still safe to reuse and for what purposes. Here are a few ideas to get you started as you repurpose this iconic fall fixture.
Edible Uses for Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a particularly versatile gourd, encouraging you to get creative in the kitchen. Consider slicing fresh pumpkin flesh into thin wedges and baking them at a low heat of about 220 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle them with salt or herbs for a savory snack or cinnamon for something on the sweeter side.
You can also use the pumpkin puree for a healthier version of a fruit roll-up. Mix 2 cups of cooked pumpkin puree with 1/2 cup of honey, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to taste. Spread this mixture on a prepared drying tray about 1/4 inch thick. You will want to let it dry for six to 12 hours before cutting into strips and rolling them up for storage.
Do not let those pumpkin seeds go to waste. Pumpkin seeds are a natural substitute for pine nuts, making them a good choice to riff on classic pesto sauce. Simply blend 2 cups of hulled pumpkin seeds with a bit of garlic, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and water to the desired consistency. This pumpkin-forward pesto can be tossed with pasta, drizzled on roasted vegetables, or used as a sandwich spread.
For something sweeter, turn those pumpkin seeds into brittle. After removing the tough outer shells from the seeds, you can swap out these seeds with peanuts for your favorite brittle recipe that also packs a nutritional punch.
Pumpkin also provides great nutritional benefits to dogs. The American Kennel Club recommends mixing 1 cup of plain pumpkin puree with 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 2 cups of flour. Roll the dough and cut into shapes before baking at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Be careful to use a dog-safe peanut butter and to give the treats in moderation due to the high fiber content.
Other Uses for Leftover Pumpkin
Pumpkin is naturally high in beta-carotene and other vitamins. While most people leverage this nutritional powerhouse for use in recipes, it also has a place in a skincare routine. Use the leftover pumpkin flesh to make a homemade face mask. Blend 2 tablespoons of plain pumpkin puree with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey for a nourishing and natural goop that can be applied directly to the face.
Just be sure to avoid the eyes and avoid using the mask on irritated or broken skin. You also want to be careful to use fresh pumpkin and not pulp that has been sitting out on the porch.
An uncarved pumpkin with some life left in it can also be repurposed into a festive flower pot. Start by cutting off the top of the pumpkin and scooping out the inside as you would if you were planning to carve it. Instead, make a drainage hole at the bottom and fill the middle with potting soil and fall flowers. This seasonal planter will make the perfect addition to a fall porch landscape.
Once the pumpkin shows signs of deterioration, move the flowers to a permanent pot before composting the pumpkin. Breaking the pumpkin into smaller pieces will accelerate the decomposition process. Mix the pulp with dry autumn leaves for the best results. These pumpkin scraps will nourish the garden all through the winter, resulting in more vibrant spring colors and growth.
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