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3 Ways to Recycle or Reuse Your Halloween Pumpkins
Paula Gallagher on
Are you wondering what to do with your pumpkins after Halloween? Don't kick them to the curb just yet. Whether you carved them, or left them whole, this mighty squash has plenty of life in it yet. And remember – one thing you should not do is throw your pumpkins into the trash, as this stops the composting process and just contributes to landfill.
Ideas for Using Your Pumpkins
1. Eat Them
This winter squash packs a powerhouse of nutritional goodness and healing properties in its flesh and seeds, and it tastes great! Pumpkin is chock-full of carotenoids, such as beta carotene and alpha carotene. Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, you’ll get a mouthful of potassium, magnesium, selenium, and lutein in every bite, plus a good dose of vitamins A, C, and E. And let's not forget about those seeds! Eating pumpkin has been linked to a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, and the natural anti-inflammatory properties of this food aid in fighting asthma and arthritis. Pumpkin also helps maintain fluid balance, regulate blood pressure, modulate the immune system, and prevent cataracts and arteriosclerosis. A digestive aid, pumpkin soothes the stomach and decreases bloating and flatulence.
If you are going to eat your pumpkin and not just carve it, choose a smaller one that is bright orange in color.
- Serve cubed or mashed pumpkin with a little butter and nutmeg or maple syrup.
- Pump up soups and stews by adding some cooked cubed pumpkin.
- Use pumpkin puree in smoothies, pudding, pie, or dips for a rich smooth taste.
- Add it to muffins, cakes, and breads to enrich their fiber and nutrient content and produce moist, delicious baked goods.
- Eat pumpkin seeds as a snack, toss them on salads, stir into hot or cold cereals, or add to baked goods for extra crunch.
2. Compost Them
Composting is a wonderful way to recycle your pumpkin. If your city offers a composting program, then make use of it, especially if your jack-o-lantern has been out for a while. However, if you have a garden, compost it yourself. It is as easy as burying it in the ground. Worms love the soft flesh of pumpkins! Burying it also keeps any smells below ground, keeps unwanted bugs away, and keeps your soil happily full of nutrients before next year’s planting season. Needless to say, make sure to remove any candles, wax, or foil beforehand.
3. Give Them to a Local Farm or Animal Sanctuary
Many places like zoos, animal shelters, farms, or community gardens will take those pumpkins off your hands to be used as compost material or animal snacks. Look local; some towns do a pumpkin collection drive after Halloween.
Happy and safe Halloween from Village Green Apothecary!
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