What do people do with pumpkins after Halloween?
Halloween has now passed, leaving some to wonder, what can I do with all these pumpkins?!?
The question of what to do with your pumpkins after Halloween depends on a few factors —namely, whether or not they are carved or not.
Pumpkins that remain intact provide a greater number of options... whereas those that have been carved may need to be tossed in the compost or trash. According to Barton Hill Farms, chopping up your pumpkin into small bits and adding it to your “compost heap” will provide a hefty dose of nitrogen to the soil. Like humans, animals also enjoy pumpkins, with Barton also recommending that carved pumpkins be used as bird feed or left out for squirrels and other foraging critters. Be careful not to leave a carved pumpkin outside on the porch for too long because it could attract bugs and other less desirable visitors.
Pumpkin treats: breads, pies, and other snacks
If you have yet to carve your pumpkin, you may have some prime material to make some delicious treats on your hands. Starting with the seeds those can be scooped out and baked with salt. Typically, to get the crunchy texture many love, the seeds will need to be baked at 300ºF for 40 to 45 minutes.
For those interested in growing pumpkins, propagating seeds and planting in your garden can yield a supply of squash next year.
Fresh pumpkins that have not been carved can be cut into smaller pieces and baked until the squash’s outer layer softens. After baking, the pumpkin can be mashed into a puree and spiced to make a variety of treats, such as pumpkin pie or pumpkin chocolate chip bread. The puree can also be used to make savory dishes like pumpkin soup, for those who prefer a savory flavor profile.
Becky’s Homestead has published a video walking those interested through the process of making a pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin.
For those who want to make a pumpkin pie from scratch could freeze the puree until Thanksgiving to keep it fresh until the holiday arrives.