How To Prepare a Pumpkin Without Waste

Prepare a Pumpkin with very little waste.

When I prepare a pumpkin, I think of my Grandma. If she wasn’t shelling peas (and getting us to help), we were picking pecans off the ground. We would float in the pool to cool with watermelons…and Grandma was in the kitchen cooking or canning into a sterilized glass mason jar. She taught me that food should be simple, whole, healthful, and delicious.

Pumpkins are no exception! The whole process to prepare a pumpkin is simple and provides wonderful enjoyment and recipes for days to come.

Amazing pumpkin recipes too

Sometimes it’s so wonderful that you buy so many of the beautiful pumpkins! Your house will look like a Fall Harvest but when your neighbors bring their kids  over for photos of their children you’ll know it’s magic!

As we harvest organic pumpkins from our local farmers, I realize the value of this beautiful vegetable/fruit. We have a pumpkin for decor in our dining area for two months and we can still eat it (except when a child punctures holes all around it, then we prepare a pumpkin and it’s a very rewarding harvest. Pumpkins can last 3-6 months in your home.

Although pumpkins have never lasted 6 months for us, it certainly helps to sustain the plant with the stem on. Pathogens try to enter through the stem area and through the wounds of fruit (like punctured holes), so keep those stems on for protection and longevity. No refrigeration is necessary, until cooked of course.

Farming

As a child growing up in the country, I was fortunate to have Grandparents who did a little farming and knew the local farmers. My Grandmas could cook and they made everything from scratch with very little waste.  So does my Mom! Today, I wish I would have paid attention more, but I did get my fair share of helping, thankfully!

For those who want to save money, this is also a great value. You can also buy in a can for convenience.

Preparing From start to finish

Take your pumpkin, holding on to the stem, and cut a circle around the top at a 45° angle.

Now for my secret weapon: The right tool is critical. This grapefruit spoon is perfectly curved and serrated.

Scratch out the seeds and place on a cookie sheet.

See all that pulp! I’ve removed all I could, with the children’s help. Now we fill the pan with water and sprinkle with salt;  set to the side and let it soak and sprout until tomorrow.

Now back to pumpkin: place the “hat” back on the pumpkin to cook for 40-45 minutes at 350°F.

The Right Timing

Be careful not to cook too long or it turns to mush. Conversely, if the meat is not coming off easily, just pop back in the oven for another 15 minutes and repeat until ready. This one needed to cook for 1 hour. Scrape out the meat from the sides and put into a container. You can just cut the whole pumpkin in half and get all the meat right next to the skin. And don’t stress if some of the “stringy stuff” is still in there, it will only provide a little more fiber. Or you can make a fun recipe I’ve shared here for pumpkin soup.

Now you have 3-4 cans worth of pumpkin meat! Simply store the meat in a container and place in the refrigerator.  Use within 3 weeks. There are some recipes below.

Remember the Seeds, they are a nutritious part as we prepare a pumpkin.It has been a day and now we empty the seeds from the pan into a collander. Simply swish the seeds in a bowl with a strainer and the remaining pulp is released. Let the children place the seeds on a cookie sheet and spread evenly.

Some call these pepitas (technically for green seeds), we just call them GOOD!  I’m getting ahead, sorry.

Now sprinkle spices to your tasting; cumin, salt, chile, cayenne. The amount depends on how many seeds you get. From experience I can say the amount is more than you think, and the spices stick nicely when the seeds are wet.

Have children (with clean hands) stir well.  Also, make sure NO touching the face until hands are washed.

Low Cooking

Cook the seeds on the lowest setting, around 170°F for 4-6 hours.  Little hands will devour the seeds before it is finished.  I have gone to remove from the oven to find only 2 seeds remaining!

With practice,  all my children know how to cook by age 6? The older ones help the younger children and everyone has fun preparing and eating! Now you know how to prepare a pumpkin.

Here are some links to amazing pumpkin recipes  (if ingredients call for a can, use 1 and 1/3 cup homemade pumpkin):

http://www.therisingspoon.com/2013/10/monthly-veg-ucation-maple-spice-pumpkin.html Butter!

 http://mixwellness.com/…/simple-crock-pot-apple…/  Easy and delicious.

http://veggieconverter.com/tag/pumpkin/  Catch all!

Breakfast

 http://www.savorylotus.com/pumpkin-spice-dutch-baby…/ pancake in a skillet.

http://www.beautyandthefoodie.com/low-carb-pumpkin-bagels/ Pass the cream!

http://carlyshankman.com/paleo-pumpkin-pancakes/ Just add butter above!

Drinks:

 http://ohlardy.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie   Superfood smoothie

http://www.reformationacres.com/…/pumpkin-spice-latte.html  Mmm..Cozy

http://www.maryvancenc.com/…/pumpkin-pie-smoothie-with…/  Surprise inside.

Breads:

http://dontmesswithmama.com/easy-gluten-free-pumpkin…/  Fantastic gluten free bread

http://www.reformationacres.com/…/pumpkin-nut-sourdough…  So good.

http://gutsybynature.com/…/pumpkin-chocolate-chip…/  For that someone special

 http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/grain-free-pumpkin…  Muffins.

Desserts:

http://lovelovething.com/pumpkin-fudge-dairy-egg-free…/  Pumpkin fudge.

http://www.savorylotus.com/pumpkin-pie-chia-pudding/… Breakfast or anytime!

http://www.eatnakednow.com/…/11/20/pumpkin-cream-cookies/  Wow!

http://www.thewholesomelife.net/low-carb-pumpkin-cheesecake/ Perfect.

Now I have to go buy more pumpkin before there are no more…

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Mandy

Mandy is the force behind the nonprofit advocacy portal Real Food Recovery. Seeing the need for children at risk to have better foods and education to handle their trauma, Mandy founded a nonprofit organization using real food, real discussion, and encouragement. A Wife, Mom of birth and adopted children, author, BSc., Functional Nutritional Therapy Practice, Mandy shares simple food tips online and volunteers at local Group and Orphanage Homes.

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