As Halloween approaches, we begin to carve our pumpkins for display, however, we’re not using them to their full potential, with 12 million pumpkins left uneaten each Halloween – heading to landfill to release methane gas.
New research from green energy provider, 100Green, has identified the5 ways you can make the most of your pumpkin this Halloween,including making the beloved drink of the season, a pumpkin spice latte.
With seasonal drinks back on the menu, many of us are looking for ways to make our own versions at home, with searches for “Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe” and “how to make pumpkin spice latte” seeing 5,000% increases in the last 3 months*, and that’s not the only thing you can do with your leftover pumpkin parts!
See all 100Green’s top tips below:
- Make pumpkin puree – perfect for a pumpkin spiced latte or a pumpkin pie
You simply want to cut your pumpkin in half, remove your guts, season slightly with salt and then roast – this can be done in your oven or air fryer. Once roasted, let it cool and then blend into a puree.
To make your very own pumpkin spiced latte for the season you can then stir cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg into your pumpkin puree.
Then, brew yourself an espresso and stir this into your mixture. Using a saucepan, heat the milk of your choice up and when hot – combine for the perfect autumnal drink!
- Use the skin and seeds for crunchy snacks
After scooping the guts from your pumpkin, wash the seeds thoroughly and remove any stringy guts, and then try your seeds. Toss your seeds in oil and your favourite seasoning mix, and then roast in your oven or air fryer to create a healthy snack.
You can also simply use a peeler to remove the skin from your pumpkin to make pumpkin chips! To do this, cover your peels in olive oil and salt and pepper, then place on a baking tray and cook until crisp.
- Embrace soup season!
Alternatively, you can cook with the innards of your pumpkin to create delicious soups and sauces, and the best way to boost the flavour of your dish is by creating a pumpkin broth to use.
Once you’ve scooped your pumpkin and have prepped for carving, keep hold of the guts and seeds. Place them into a saucepan with chopped onions, carrots and celery. Cover with water and bring to boil – then turn down the temperature and cook for 30 minutes.
Use a sieve to strain the mixture – you can then store the broth in your fridge or even freezer to add to your recipes.
- Grow your own for next year
Prepare for next Halloween season and plant seeds from your pumpkin this year! Simply scoop out your seeds, rinse them and place them on a baking tray covered in kitchen roll.
Set your baking tray to the side and leave your seeds in a cool, dry place to let them fully dry out – this could take up to a week depending on your room. Keep flipping and stirring them to make sure they dry out on both sides, and keep an eye on any mould appearing – you should only use the healthy seeds.
Dry seeds should be white and have a paper-like feel. Place your dry seeds into an envelope and store your seeds in a cool place such as a cupboard or even your fridge until it’s time to plant in May!
- Use them to fertilise your garden
Pumpkins are mostly water, making them great for compost bins because they add nitrogen and moisture to your compost mixture.
Instead of having your pumpkin end up in landfill, you can also bury them in your garden soil, where they will decompose and provide nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Remember to remove seeds unless, as mentioned above, you want your very own pumpkin patch!
For more tips on minimising Halloween waste, head to: https://www.greenenergyuk.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable_halloween_decorations
