Pumpkins are not only a staple of autumn decorations but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen and beyond. After picking your pumpkins, there are numerous ways to utilise every part of them, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do with your pumpkins once you’ve harvested them.

Cooking with Pumpkins

1. Soups and Purees
   Pumpkin Soup: A classic choice, pumpkin soup can be made by blending cooked pumpkin with broth and spices. Roasting the pumpkin beforehand enhances its flavour.
   Purees: Cooked pumpkin can be pureed and frozen for use in various recipes throughout the year, including pies and muffins. Make sure you use your favourite spices to enhance the pumpkin taste.
2. Baking
   Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: Incorporate pureed pumpkin into your favorite bread or muffin recipes for added moisture and flavour.
3. Roasting
   Pumpkin Wedges: Cut the pumpkin into wedges, toss with olive oil and spices, and roast for a delicious side dish.

Utilising Pumpkin Seeds

After carving or cooking with your pumpkins, don’t forget about the seeds:

1. Roasting Seeds
   Rinse the seeds, season them with your favourite spices, and roast them for a crunchy snack rich in nutrients. You can then add them to your salad, granola or soup to add some extra crunch.
2. Bird Feeders
   Use cleaned seeds as bird feed by scattering them in your garden or placing them in a hollowed-out pumpkin shell to attract local birds.

Composting and Gardening

Once your pumpkins have served their purpose, consider these eco-friendly options:

1. Composting
   Chop up any leftover pumpkin flesh and skin to add to your compost pile. This enriches the soil as it breaks down.
2. Soil Enrichment
   Bury chunks of pumpkin directly in your garden (without seeds) to nourish the soil as they decompose

Creative Uses

Beyond cooking and composting, pumpkins can serve unique purposes:

1. Wildlife Feed
   Place carved pumpkins outside for wildlife to enjoy; animals will appreciate the treat during colder months.
2. Decorative Bird Feeders
   Transform a hollowed-out pumpkin into a bird feeder by cutting openings for birds to access seeds inside
3. Decorative Centre Piece
   Once your pumpkin is empty, use it as a vase. If you can, put your seasonal bouquet in a vase inside the pumpkin.

From delicious recipes to sustainable gardening practices, pumpkins offer endless possibilities once they’ve been picked. By creatively using every part of the pumpkin—from flesh to seeds—you can enjoy this seasonal favorite while minimizing waste. Whether you’re making comforting soups or enriching your garden soil, pumpkins are truly a gift of the harvest season!

Make sure you visit our PYO Pumpkins Patch to get your own pumpkins! For more info, click here!