Before You Trash That Jack-O’-Lantern, Try These Pumpkin Ideas

That Halloween pumpkin is on the clock. It is about the time of year when the shelf life of these pumpkins begins to expire. While it is perfectly fine to compost the rotting pumpkin, you can also get creative with how you use this leftover gourd. The key is knowing what parts of the pumpkin are still safe to reuse and for what purposes. Here are a few ideas to get you started as you repurpose this iconic fall fixture.

Edible Uses for Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a particularly versatile gourd, encouraging you to get creative in the kitchen. Consider slicing fresh pumpkin flesh into thin wedges and baking them at a low heat of about 220 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle them with salt or herbs for a savory snack or cinnamon for something on the sweeter side.

You can also use the pumpkin puree for a healthier version of a fruit roll-up. Mix 2 cups of cooked pumpkin puree with 1/2 cup of honey, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to taste. Spread this mixture on a prepared drying tray about 1/4 inch thick. You will want to let it dry for six to 12 hours before cutting into strips and rolling them up for storage.

Do not let those pumpkin seeds go to waste. Pumpkin seeds are a natural substitute for pine nuts, making them a good choice to riff on classic pesto sauce. Simply blend 2 cups of hulled pumpkin seeds with a bit of garlic, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and water to the desired consistency. This pumpkin-forward pesto can be tossed with pasta, drizzled on roasted vegetables, or used as a sandwich spread.