Creative Pumpkin Uses | Getting the Most out of Your Pumpkins
October is a season of chilly autumn breezes, crunchy leaves, and soon-to-be carved pumpkins resting on every doorstep. Carving and decorating pumpkins is often one of the most anticipated activities of fall each year, and we would like to share a few simple tips to help you extend the use of your pumpkins this season!
When it comes to decorating pumpkins, you must first decide if you want to go the traditional way and carve you pumpkin into a festive piece of art or go with a more artistic approach and paint your pumpkins this season. For a true glowing Halloween effect, nothing beats a hand-carved Jack-o’-lantern, however the carving process often requires sharp tools and should only performed by an adult. Painting pumpkins is a great way to get children involved in the decorative process and is also a great way to extend the use of your pumpkin through the fall season as they will last must longer than their carved counterparts!
Whether you decide to paint or carve your pumpkin this season, here are a couple of ways to turn your project into some tasty treats when you are through:
Pumpkin Seeds: While preparing your pumpkin for carving, scoop all of the seeds into a large colander, removing as much of the stringy pulp as possible in the process and setting aside to add to your compost pile. Once the seeds have been cleaned of all pulp, rinse them in cool water and spread them onto a towel to blot them dry. Spread the seeds evenly in a single layer on a cookie sheet and get creative with seasoning these tasty snacks. Olive oil, salt and pepper are traditional, but consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or for a completely different spin use butter, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Once you them seasoned to your liking, roast them at 325 degrees for around 20 minutes and you will have a great seasonal snack or salad topping.
Baking: After removing the seeds and pulp from the inside of your pumpkin, you can use a scraper to remove a thin layer of the white flesh to make carving your pumpkin easier. This flesh is loaded with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, and is a great addition to traditional fall baked goodies such as cookies, quick breads, and brownies. If you have decided to paint your pumpkins, you can use the pumpkin meat after the holiday to create delicious fall meals including stews and pumpkin soup!
After Halloween has passed and your carved pumpkins are sitting slumped over on the porch you may be inclined to gather them up and toss them in the garbage, but wait! Here are a few ways to get the most out of your decorative investment and help keep those pumpkins out of the waste stream.
- Feed your pumpkins to the birds. Chickens, turkeys, and other birds enjoy this hearty vegetable as a treat. It is best to break down the pumpkin rind or skin first so the birds have an easier time pecking at it for food. This can be accomplished quickly and easily by a hammer, or even tossing into the air and letting the pieces break apart on the ground naturally.
- Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and they make an ideal addition to the compost pile. If you do not have a compost pile, you can bury them straight into the ground. As they decompose they will fill your soil with goodness.
- Most farm and zoo animals love pumpkins. Pumpkins are not only healthy and delicious for humans, but many animals enjoy pumpkins as well. Look for a local farm or petting zoo with animals such as goats or pigs that may take your leftover pumpkins off of your hands.
We hope all of you have a fun and festive fall season, and remember to make the most of your pumpkin investment! Rather than discarding each segment of pumpkin, consider reusing and recycling this multi-purposed vegetable in as many ways as possible! At Millennium Waste, we strive to reduce our impact on the environment through responsible waste management & recycling practices. If you would like to learn more about the garbage and recycling services that we offer, please give us a call at 309-787-2303.
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