Pumpkins Need Not Be Wasted

Original Story Published by: Tony Tomeo for Canyon News
Photo Source: ©Canyon News

(Above) African Marigolds. 

UNITED STATES—There is likely no other fruit that gets wasted quite like pumpkins. Almost all get hollowed and carved into jack-o -‘lanterns, illuminated from within for Halloween, and then discarded or added to compost within the next few days after Halloween.

If they stay too long in the yard or on the porch, they mold or get partly eaten by squirrels. They were fun while they lasted, but the party is over. 

Most people who use pumpkins for Halloween décor do not consider recycling them in the kitchen. Pumpkins carved into jack-o -‘lanterns are considered to be as disposable as cut flowers that have started to fade. Realistically, jack-o -‘lanterns that were carved several days prior to Halloween are probably too far gone by now to be recycled, and some are too sooty and toasted inside. 

Of course, those that are not so deteriorated can be used in the kitchen like other winter squash. Sooty or toasted portions are easily cut away and discarded. The brightest orange pumpkins that were bred to make the best jack-o -‘lanterns, are not as meaty or as well flavored as those that are grown for culinary use, but they are not bad either. Their thinner shells are quick to bake or roast.