Recipes

It’s the time of the year for everything PUMPKIN! Pumpkin pies, pumpkin soups, pumpkin EVERYTHING! Here are some great pumpkin varieties perfect for cooking up those cool-weather comfort foods!

Varieties
We’re going to bypass carving pumpkins (think Jack-O-Lanterns) all together as they are no good for cookery. The meat is stringy and the flavor leaves a lot to be desired. Instead, choose varieties that are sweet, super flavorful, and have a smoother flesh. You’ll want to find varieties that are labeled as ‘sugar pumpkins’ or ‘pie pumpkins’. These varieties include Baby Pam, Autumn Gold, Lumina (these are white pumpkins), Cinderella, and Ghost Rider.

Pumpkin Size
The best cooking pumpkins should be between 4-8 pounds. Pass on pumpkins that have any bruising as this can be a sign of rot.

Storage
Keep your pumpkins fresh by placing them in a cool temperature. When stored properly, pumpkins can last up to 90 days. Pumpkin purée freezes very well for future pies, muffins, and more.

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Repurposing Pumpkins

Halloween is over and it’s time to put that slumped over Jack-O-Lantern to better use. Here are some great ways to reuse your holiday pumpkins!

Awesome Compost
Turn your decaying Jack-O-Lanterns into plant-loving compost for the garden. Remove all candles or battery-operated tea lights along with any other decorations attached to the pumpkin (ribbons, googly eyes, etc.). Pumpkins that have been painted, coated in sealant, or covered in glitter cannot be composted. Be sure to remove all the pumpkin seeds as well. Failure to do so could result in your very own pumpkin patch!

Fall Feeder
Hollow out one side of your leftover pumpkin and fill with bird seed. If you have a bunch of baby pumpkins, you can tie a bit of cord at the top and hang the small feeders from trees in your yard. Your winged-friends will adore them!

Critter Treats
All kinds of animals, including squirrels and birds, would be very happy to munch on leftover pumpkins. Pumpkins are an excellent source of source of vitamin E, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and essential fatty acids.

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