We all try so hard to reduce our food waste, so why do most of us end up tossing our pumpkins the day after Halloween or leaving them on our balconies for the squirrels to feast on? Together, let’s start a new trend: let’s bring those pumpkins inside and use them in the kitchen!
This majestic fruit is packed with nutrients and is very versatile in the kitchen. Discover our tips and tricks for preserving your pumpkin and incorporating it into a ton of comforting fall dishes!
Pumpkins arrive in grocery stores late September or early October, just in time for all your fall feasts!
Simple techniques for selecting and preserving your pumpkin
If you plan on cooking your pumpkin, it’s important to know how to select the freshest one. Choose one that isn’t too big, is firm to the touch, is heavy, and has a nice all-over orange hue, free of spots and cracks. Inspect the stem as well—a firm, green stem indicates a fresh pumpkin.
Pumpkins keep for several weeks in a cool, dry place.
Store it in the fridge
Once cut, store it in the fridge; it’ll keep for up to a week.
Store it in the freezer
If you want to have pumpkin on-hand year-round, you can either cut it into cubes, place in freezer bags, and store in the freezer, or cook it (roasted or pureed) and freeze or can it.
A zero-waste Halloween
Pumpkins aren’t just Halloween decorations! If you plan on being ecological and recycling your pumpkins once the festivities are over, it’s important to not carve them. This year, forgo the classic carved jack-o-lanterns, and instead, invite the kids to get creative by decorating the pumpkins with small accessories, spooky stencils, stickers, and buttons! For fun ideas and inspiration, check out platforms like Pinterest.
Pumpkin-based recipe ideas
With their nutritional benefits, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and slightly sweet flavour, pumpkins make a great addition to a variety of dishes—from appetizers to desserts!
Here are a few ideas on how to cook this fall ingredient and benefit from all its antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Pumpkin purée
For a quick and delicious purée, cut your pumpkin in half and cook it in the oven on a baking sheet. Next, remove all the seeds (you can keep them for a later use) and scoop out the flesh. Place the flesh in a food processor and purée until smooth. This super-versatile purée can be used to make all kinds of healthy snacks, such as pumpkin cookies and muffins. And if you feel up for a challenge, try making homemade pumpkin-stuffed ravioli!
Oven-roasted pumpkin
Cut your pumpkin into slices, drizzle with olive oil, season with the spices of your choice (think cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, or allspice), and roast in the oven until caramelized. Makes a great side dish for meats and fish! For an original appetizer, serve your sliced pumpkin with labneh or other soft cheese, a herb sauce, and a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds.
Cubed pumpkin
If you have pumpkin cubes in your freezer, use them to make a simple wine, pumpkin, and Parmesan risotto, or add a handful to your root vegetable curry, salads, or soups.
Grated pumpkin
Out of carrots? Grated raw pumpkin is a great alternative and makes a yummy addition to desserts.
How to cut a pumpkin
Don’t let a pumpkin’s size intimidate you! Follow these 4 steps and learn how to safely and efficiently cut your pumpkin.
- Use a good chef’s knife to cut your pumpkin in half.
- Using a spoon, remove the stringy pulp and seeds (keep the seeds and roast them for a yummy snack!).
- Quarter the pumpkin.
- Peel each slice and cut the flesh into cubes. You can store them in the fridge or freezer for future use.
Oven-roasted pumpkin seeds
Once you’ve emptied your pumpkin, soak the seeds in water for approximately one hour. Next, rinse and dry them. Once dry, drizzle them with oil and season with salt and/or a spice mixture of your choice (garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper are delicious together). Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 375ºC for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so as not to let them burn. Remove from the oven, let cool, and enjoy!
