Here is a step-by-step guide to carve and utilize your pumpkin without wasting any of it!

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1. Carve a Pumpkin

Scoop out seeds and strings and place into one bowl. Then use a strong spoon to scrape the walls for the “flesh” that can be used to make pie. Carve your design as desired!

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds | Naked Food Magazine

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2. Roast the pumpkin seeds:

  • Rinse seeds and separate guts
  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Place a silicon matt at the bottom of baking pan
  • Spread seeds on the pan in a single layer.  Sprinkle with pepper, herbs or pink salt.
  • Bake on the top rack until seeds begin to brown, for about 20 minutes. When lightly browned, remove and let cool.
  • Store in a jar and use as a snack or an addition to soups, salads, granola bars, and more!

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Make Purée

  • Bring water to a boil in the bottom of a steamer or in a pan.
  • Remove the skin from the pumpkin meat and slice into similarly sized chunks
  • Place chunks in steamer (or a metal colander in a pan with the lid on) for about an hour or until soft and mushy.
  • Purée with fork or potato masher, or use a blender
  • Leave to cool and use it for other recipes such as pie, , soup, face masks, or as ingredient.  Freeze leftovers for later use.

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Make a face mask

Mix the pumpkin purée with maple syrup or agave, and plant-based milk for a wholistic (and tasty) way to nourish your skin.  Leave the mask in for at least 15 minutes and rinse with cold water.

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Make a bird feeder

Cut your carved pumpkins in half.  Add some string to your pumpkin and hang it from a tree or fence post, then put plenty of bird seed inside. Make sure there are big enough holes carved into the front so birds will be able to get in or cut one big circle into the front to give them a clear entry point.

Afterwards, be sure to compost the remainder. Just don’t forget to scrape off any wax from the pumpkin so it doesn’t get eaten!

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Feed Wildlife

Find woods or a field near you, smash the pumpkins open and leave for wildlife to eat.  Pumpkin is safe for them and the seeds act as natural dewormer.

 

Zero-waste Champion

Be proud of your zero-waste abilities and share this with others.  Your recipes will be so much sweeter and full of memories with friends, family, pets and planet.   Happy Halloween!

 

Tips:

  • Use a tablecloth instead of plastic bags to contain your mess.
  • Save your pumpkin scraps so they can be composted.
  • Cover with browns and let the composting process begin.