Did you know that over 50% of the US population buys a pumpkin in October? Of all the delights of Halloween, perhaps the best is choosing your pumpkin. For Halloween purposes, you probably choose your pumpkin mostly on looks. Size, shape, color are all factors we consider when making our decision.
Pumpkin is a type of winter squash. Technically, it is a fruit, because it contains seeds. However, most people think of it as a vegetable. It is nutrient-dense and is full of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and lots of anti-oxidants, such as lutein, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and zeaxanthin, all of which protect the skin and boost collagen production. So after Halloween is over and you are done displaying your pumpkin, what can you do with it? Here are a few ideas.
- If you haven’t already done so, collect the pumpkin seeds and roast them for a delicious and nutritious snack.
- It’s easy to make pumpkin puree from the fleshy insides of the pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin down the middle, clean it out, and place it cut-side down in a baking dish with about a cup of water. Bake for about 90 minutes or until the flesh is tender. Then, simply scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor. You can use your puree in any of your favorite pumpkin recipes, such as bread, pies, or soups. It can be frozen for several months.
- Or you can put some potting soil in your pumpkin, take some pretty fall annual flowers and plant them in your pumpkin. It will look pretty for several days. After that, plant the whole thing in your garden, where the pumpkin will compost and fertilize your plants.
- Finally, pumpkins are a great food for wildlife. To make it easier for them, cut it into sections and set them out away from your house. Deer and other local wildlife will be grateful and birds love the seeds. You can watch them enjoy their treat while you have your coffee and a pumpkin muffin.
If you haven’t tried our pumpkin spice soap, now’s your chance. We only offer it a few months a year. Also, try liquid pumpkin spice soap, pumpkin spice body lotion, lotion bar, and body wash.