Everything you can do with a pumpkin

By: Mary Deasy

The pumpkin is an essential fall must-have with its enchanting autumn charm and incredible versatility. The possibilities are endless for this winter squash: from savoury/sweet recipes to family fun games, home decor and so much more.. here are some of our favourites.

Jack-o'-lantern

Pumpkin carving is an old tradition originating from Ireland; however, originally, carving jack-o’-lanterns was done with potatoes or turnips. If you are planning on celebrating Halloween this year or you are just looking for a fun festive fall activity, go buy a pumpkin and join in the tradition. To make one, you hollow out the inside of a pumpkin or any type of gourd — remembering to save the seeds and roast them later for a tasty treat — and carve (carefully) the design of your choice. Once you're satisfied with your carving, put a tea light inside and place it by your doorstep to welcome visitors.

Pumpkin recipes

Finding a good pumpkin recipe can be challenging since there are so many different recipes to choose from. Here are some of our favourites! Don’t forget to replace the canned pumpkin with fresh homemade pumpkin puree!

To make your pumpkin puree, remove the skin and seeds from your squash and cut it into cubes — place them in boiling water and let cook until tender — remove, blend and you have yourself homemade pumpkin puree.

• Pumpkin pie

• Pumpkin cheesecake

• Persian pumpkin soup in a pumpkin bowl

• Pumpkin spice lattes

• Pumpkin ice-cream

• Vegan pumpkin gnocchi

• More ideas….

Face masks

Did you know that pumpkins are full of vitamins and minerals that are immensely beneficial for your skin? They contain enzymes, vitamin A, alpha and beta-carotenes, vitamins C, K, E, and magnesium, potassium, and iron. 

Enzymes help dissolve dry skin cells while vitamins K and C help fade sun and age spots. Vitamin A is great for brightening and exfoliation and Zinc is great for acne-prone skin

If you’re like us and you hate waste, use your leftover can of store-bought or homemade pumpkin puree! Don’t forget to customize your pumpkin mask recipe to fit your skin type and needs. This can be done by adding honey, brown sugar or vitamin E. 

Recipe

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tablespoon ground oats
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Optional: 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E capsules

**For acne prone or excessively oily skin, use the recipe below**

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar

—Mix the ingredients together and place on your face, letting it rest for 15 minutes before removing.

Bird feeder

Give your local garden birds a nice treat this holiday season with a DIY pumpkin bird feeder.  Not only will it give them food which is scarce this time of year but also a cosy place to rest before continuing their journey. To promote a more circular lifestyle, we recommend using a post-Halloween Jack-o’-lantern; however, you can easily use a fresh pumpkin as well. To create the bird feeder, you need to hollow out the pumpkin and cut it in half — leaving enough space for birdseed at the bottom. Next, insert 2 wooden sticks across the pumpkin to create perches. Finally, using two ropes, tack them to the bottom of the pumpkin and tie a knot at the top — fill with birdseed and hang it outside. For more help, watch this instructional video.

Regrow

There’s something to be said about growing your own fruits and vegetables — it can be challenging but it is also immensely rewarding. As you go buy your pumpkin this year, think about whether you are up for the challenge. If you are, here’s a quick guide since there’s some prepping that needs to be done before you can plant the seeds in the ground.

When removing the seeds from your pumpkin you need to remove all the pulp and then rinse with water to reduce the chance of the seeds moulding. Once washed, place them, without touching, on a paper towel to dry.  If you aren't ready to plant them yet, place the dry seeds in an envelope and store them in your refrigerator. If you are ready then don't forget these key rules when choosing where to plant and how to care for your winter squash.

• Pumpkins like full sun or light shade

• Make sure the soil has drainage

• Give your pumpkin space: separate the seeds 1.5m apart

• Plant 2-3cm deep

• Keep the soil’s ph between 6 and 6.8

• Keep pests away

• Water early in the morning

Although these are only a few suggestions, there are many more creative ideas for the pumpkin. We would love to hear your feedback as well as your favourite pumpkin recipe, activity, or DIY — contact us via our Instagram