Zero Waste Halloween!
Did you know that the UK throws away 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins each Halloween? Here are some of our tips on how not to waste those delicious pumpkins!
Pumpkin Seeds
When carving your pumpkin, what is the first thing that goes straight in the bin? The seeds. Why waste perfectly good food?
Pumpkin Seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals such as, vitamin k and manganese. These are both extremely important for our bodies and helping wounds heal. Additionally, you'll find Zinc which helps our immune system fight off bacteria and viruses.
Once you've scooped out the pulp and seeds from your pumpkin you might be thinking, why do my seeds look so different from shop ones? Well, these white seeds have their shells around them which are perfectly fine to eat! Therefore, once these have all been removed, soak them in water for a little while to remove the pulp and then dry, ready to make some deliciousness.
Different Ways To Use Pumpkin Seeds
Very popular ways are toasting these seeds in their shells to make snacks or breakfast toppers. One recipe we saw was: your pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, nuts, sea salt. Bake on a tray for 20 minutes and leave to cool for 10 for a perfect breakfast topper.
For a more savoury option, roast with a choice of spices which would be great on top of soups, curries, salads or as a snack or even try adding some of our Harissa Peanut Butter.
If you don't fancy eating the seeds, plant them! Grow your own pumpkin plant for next year (or keep supporting local Pumpkin Farms such as, Tallington Farm, Fotheringhay Farm and more!). To do this make sure the seeds are clean from any pulp and then air dry. Plant when they're dry or store in a paper envelope (to prevent condensation and keep them bone dry). Perfect planting time is mid-late April.
Carved Pumpkin
After you've finished carving your pumpkin, if it is still good you can make a pumpkin soup or purée out of the flesh which would be great for making a pumpkin loaf, pie or on top of your natural yoghurt.
If your pumpkin isn't looking too fresh for consumption, feed it to the wildlife or compost instead of going to landfill. Chop your pumpkin into smaller chunks and scatter across an area of your garden/under your trees and this will feed squirrels and birds. Make sure if you're composting to chop it in to smaller pieces so it can biodegrade quicker/more easily.
And finally, you could always use the pumpkin as a flower pot. Plant what you like inside and then bury it in to the ground and over time the pumpkin nutrients will return to the soil. It is a great organic fertilising method.
Local Pumpkin Farms
Here are a few local Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farms to keep on your radar:
Tallington Farm
Fotheringhay Farm
Rutland Water Pumpkins
Hill Farm
Doddington Hall
Ketton Pumpkins