How to Reuse Carved Pumpkins
- Roast Pumpkin Seeds. To roast pumpkin seeds, separate them from the stringy guts and rinse well.
- Make Pumpkin Stock.
- Feed the Critters.
- Add it to Compost.
- Whip Up a Batch of Pumpkin Puree.
- Bake Pumpkin Bread.
- Make Pumpkin Soup.
- Eat Your Casserole Dish.
What can I do with unused Halloween pumpkins?
Here are some eco-friendly things you can do with your old Halloween pumpkins.
- Let local wildlife have it.
- Feed it to chickens.
- Compost it.
- Bury it.
- Harvest the seeds.
- Make a pumpkin puree.
- Make a pumpkin planter.
- Keep it a little longer.
What can I do with leftover gourds and pumpkins?
11 Things You Can Do With Leftover Pumpkins.
Check out these 11 ways to repurpose your pumpkins, and maybe you’ll be inspired!
- Treats for backyard critters and birds.
- Composting.
- Gratitude pumpkin.
- Ice bucket.
- Feed for rescue animals.
- Autumn centerpiece.
- Gourmet treat of roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Glitzy and glamorous tablescape.
Can you cook Halloween pumpkins?
Can you cook halloween pumpkins? You sure can! Halloween pumpkins are just really big squash. While they may not be as sweet as a muscat or sugar pumpkin, they’re perfectly edible and I cook mine every year and use it to make homemade pumpkin purée, which I use in all kinds of recipes.
What can I do with leftover jack o lantern pumpkins?
What to Do With Your Leftover Jack-O-Lanterns
- Compost it: If you compost, toss it in your compost bin.
- Bury it: If you don’t compost, consider burying the pumpkin in your garden.
- Feed the birds: Break up the pumpkin and toss it in the woods or bushes where birds can easily get to it.
Is it OK to throw pumpkins in the woods?
Is it OK to throw pumpkins in the woods? Many animals will eat pumpkins if they are left out. However, you can’t just leave a whole pumpkin out (unless you have very large animals). It’s best to remove the seeds and chop the pumpkin into smaller pieces before setting in the woods.
Can you cook decorative pumpkins?
You can absolutely cook pumpkin the way you would cook any other winter squash. The varieties that are bred primarily for decorative use and Jack-o-lanterns may not be quite as flavorful or might be a bit stringier than pumpkins bred specifically for pies and other culinary uses but they are all edible.
What do you do with decorative gourds after Halloween?
These gorgeous gourds work so hard throughout the holidays and they are the glue of our Halloween decorations after all.
- Make a pumpkin bird feeder.
- Save the seeds to grow your next pumpkins.
- Feed wildlife.
- Feed your compost.
- Transform your pumpkins into planters or vases.
Where do pumpkins go after Halloween?
See if you can donate leftover pumpkins to zoos, animal shelters, farms, or community gardens. They’ll be grateful for the compost material or animal snacks. Look local; some towns do a pumpkin collection drive after Halloween, and some farms put out calls for local pumpkin donations.
What can I do with leftover ornamental gourds?
The gourd material can be wood-burned, carved, painted or stained. Carve small pieces into jewelry, such as rings and bracelets. You can also pound the fibers out and turn them into handmade paper sheets.
Are Halloween pumpkins good to eat?
Sure — as long as it is in good condition and hasn’t’ yet been carved. Pumpkins typically used for jack-o’-lanterns usually are larger, with stringier pulp and more watery flesh. However, you can still eat the jack-o-lantern variety with fairly good results.
Is there a difference between carving pumpkins and cooking?
What’s the difference? Carving pumpkins are typically thinner and easier to saw into. They also have less guts on the inside, which are also grainier and stringier, making them easier to clean. Pie pumpkins, meant for baking, are usually smaller and more rounded.
Can I use large pumpkins for baking?
Those big pumpkins you see at the pumpkin patch for carving into jack-o’-lanterns look appealing, but they’re the worst for cooking and baking. While yes, they are edible and you can cook with them, they’re very stringy, bland, and watery.
What animals eat jack o lanterns?
Feed Wildlife
Make use of your old jack-o-lantern by bringing it into the woods or to the edge of your lawn, away from the road, and allow deer, raccoons, squirrels and other animals to eat it the pumpkin.
Can you cook pumpkin after carving?
*Note: We do not suggest attempting to cook with a pumpkin that has been carved and left to sit outside, as this could be potentially dangerous. Use only pumpkins that have been left whole for cooking purposes.
Why do we put out pumpkins on Halloween?
The glowing carved faces were reminders of death and were also used to scare nasty neighbours! These shining turnips were called ‘punkies’ and ‘Jack o’Lanterns’ and were named after ghostly lights rumoured to be seen in marshes and bogs that were believed to be the spirits of the dead.
Can I leave pumpkin out for wildlife?
The good news is that pumpkins – provided they aren’t painted or coated – are safe, nutritious and delicious for wildlife. And wild animals love pumpkins.
What animals eat pumpkins at night?
Squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and even deer have been known to chomp down on these fall fruits! Nothing is worse than carving your perfect pumpkin, only to find it’s become a midnight snack for your natural neighbors.
Will animals eat old pumpkins?
Yes, it’s generally safe for wildlife to eat discarded pumpkins and in fact, many zoos and shelters take pumpkin donations for their animals. However, animals shouldn’t eat pumpkins that you wouldn’t eat yourself. But composting is the best way to discard your pumpkins.
Are small decorative pumpkins edible?
But it turns out that mini pumpkins are not just decoration—they’re edible! Read on for recipes, ideas and inspiration…
Can you use decorative pumpkins for pie?
Pie pumpkins are any one of several varieties of pumpkin grown for eating rather than decorative purposes. Generally, they are smaller and more dense than decorative pumpkins. Recipes calling for pumpkin may use canned or fresh varieties, but should never have decorative pumpkins used as a substitute.