5 Ways to Upcycle Pumpkins
Last Updated November 5, 2021
Nothing says Halloween quite like a pumpkin. Unfortunately, pumpkins can generate lots of waste. It’s estimated that more than 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away each year after Halloween.
When food degrades in a landfill, it does so in an airless environment. It’s airless because the trash is compacted further and further. And when food degrades in an airless environment, it releases methane which is almost 30 times more potent a greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide.
So, to help avoid emissions that contribute to climate change and to prevent waste, consider one of these 5 ways to use your pumpkin after Halloween.
Short on time? Check out this quick video:
Roast the Seeds
If you haven’t gotten rid of the seeds already, why not roast them? They’re great as a snack or as a topping to a salad. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in protein, dietary fiber, niacin, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. You can go savory and roast them with butter and salt. Or try a sweetening them up with cinnamon and sugar. Can’t make up your mind? Try sweet and salty! Here are some recipe options:
- Savory Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Curry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds
- Honey Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds
- Sesame-Soy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Sweet and Salty Roasted Brown Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
- Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds
Cook the Flesh
After you’ve dealt with the seeds, now it’s time to break down the flesh. Most recipes involve roasting it and blending it into a puree. Here are some recipes:
- 1-Pot Pumpkin Curry
- Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup
- Pumpkin Lasagna
- Pumpkin Risotto
- Pumpkin Chili
- Pumpkin Cornbread Casserole
- Pumpkin Enchiladas
If you have one too many pumpkins, think about pureeing the cooked pumpkin or making a vegetable stock and then freezing it. Freeze portions in a cupcake tin and the store it in a silicone bag or mason jar.
Make a Dessert
If soups and curries don’t sound appetizing, what about dessert? Everyone loves dessert right? You can make a
- Classic Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Bar
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Old-Fashion Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- Pumpkin Caramels
Make a Bird Feeder
If pumpkin flavors aren’t your jam, then consider feeding your feathery friends by making a bird feeder! Grab some string, sticks, and seeds and use your pumpkin to attract some birds. Here’s a quick video to show you how easy it is:
Compost
Finally, if all else fails and your pumpkin looks too gross to eat from basking in the sun, make sure to compost it. Toss it in your backyard compost pile, bury it near a tree to add nutrients or drop it in your city compost bin for pick up.
What do you think? Can you use one of these methods for upcycling your pumpkins? What do you normally do with your pumpkins after Halloween? Tell me in the comments!
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