Do you have a pumpkin at home after Halloween and wondering what to do with it? It is not necessary to throw it in the trash immediately. Quite the opposite. Pumpkin is a universal raw material full of taste, nutrients and possibilities of how to use it. Why throw it away when you can eat it or donate it to the zoo?
Carving pumpkins for Halloween comes from the old Celtic holiday of Samhain, when people tried to protect their homes from evil spirits with haunted lanterns. Originally made from turnips, they were called “Jack-o’-lanterns” after an Irish legend about a man named Jack who wandered the world with a turnip lantern after his death.
When Irish immigrants came to America, they discovered pumpkins that were better for carving because they were bigger. The pumpkin thus became a symbol of Halloween, and the tradition of carving it has survived to this day. So what to do with her after the holiday?
Watch a video from the VERIFY channel’s YT creation – What to do with pumpkins after Halloween
Source: Youtube
Pumpkin soup that pleases body and soul
Pumpkin soup is a classic that is easy to prepare and will also reliably warm you up. Just peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds and cut it into cubes. Add onions, garlic, carrots and some potatoes to it for added texture.
Fry everything in butter, cover with broth and cook until the vegetables are soft. Finally, blend until smooth and season with spices, nutmeg, curry or ginger are great. You can decorate the soup with sour cream or croutons and you have a healthy dinner.
Prepare pumpkin puree for stock
Pumpkin puree is a great base for a variety of recipes, from pies to muffins to homemade sauces and pasta. Just cut the pumpkin, bake it in the oven until soft and puree it. You can then freeze this and use it whenever you need a tasty base for your dishes.
Healthy treats for pets
Pumpkin can also serve as a healthy snack for your dogs. It is full of fiber, which improves digestion, and is also low in calories. Cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and cook it without spices to make it easy for dogs to digest. You can also freeze these treats and pull them out as needed. You will see that your pets will enjoy them.
Supporting local farmers and zoos
If you have more pumpkins that you don’t have a chance to use, try donating them to local farms or zoos. Animals like pigs or goats like to enjoy pumpkins, and you support their diet with natural ingredients. Be sure to remove candles and other decorations to make them safe to eat before donating.
Pumpkin mask for radiant skin
Pumpkin is not just for food. You can also use its nutrients in skin care. The pumpkin mask perfectly regenerates the skin, as it contains vitamins A, C and E, which support the formation of collagen and protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment.
Just mix a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree with honey and a little yogurt or coconut oil. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Your skin will be hydrated, soft and fresh.
Compost the pumpkin and you will enrich the soil
If you don’t use any other tips, pumpkins are great for compost. It contains a lot of nutrients that will break down in the compost and contribute to the quality of your soil. Just cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and add it to the composter. Thanks to this, in the spring you will have natural fertilizer for your garden and the feeling that you did not throw away the pumpkin unnecessarily.
Source: blizekprirode.cz
