9 Creative Ways To Reuse Pumpkins Everyone Should Know About This Fall

You’ve checked the pumpkin patch off your bucket list and now you’re wondering how you can reuse pumpkins to reduce waste and get your money’s worth! Before you toss out those jack-o’-lanterns or leftover gourds, consider these eco-friendly and delicious ways to reuse pumpkins. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also delight in some new culinary adventures.

These are 9 creative ways to reuse pumpkins this fall!

Make Pumpkin Puree for Baking and Cooking

Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless recipes. From savory dishes to sweet treats, it’s a fantastic way to add moisture and flavor. Here’s how to make your own pumpkin puree:

How to Make Pumpkin Puree:

1. Remove the Seeds: Scoop out the seeds and set them aside for later. (More on that below!)
2. Cut and Roast: Cut the pumpkin into manageable pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
3. Blend: Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and blend it in a food processor until smooth.

Recipes for pumpkin puree

• Pumpkin Muffins: Add a cup of pumpkin puree to your muffin batter for moist, flavorful muffins.
• Pumpkin Soup: Combine pumpkin puree with vegetable broth, garlic, and spices for a comforting soup.
• Pumpkin Pancakes: Mix pumpkin puree into your pancake batter for a seasonal twist on a breakfast classic.

2. Toasting Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t throw away those seeds! Toasting pumpkin seeds is a simple and nutritious way to enjoy every part of the pumpkin.

How to Toast Pumpkin Seeds:

1. Clean the Seeds: Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pulp.
2. Dry: Pat the seeds dry with a towel.
3. Season: Toss the seeds in olive oil and your favorite seasonings like salt, paprika, or cinnamon.
4. Roast: Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast at 300°F (150°C) for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and crispy.

3. Composting Pumpkin

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your pumpkins, composting is the perfect solution. Composting helps enrich the soil and reduces landfill waste.

How to Compost Pumpkins:

1. Remove Decorations: If your pumpkin was used as a decoration, make sure to remove any non-organic materials like candles or paint.
2. Cut into Pieces: Cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces to speed up the composting process.
3. Add to Compost Pile: Mix the pumpkin pieces into your compost pile along with other yard waste and kitchen scraps.

Benefits of Composting Pumpkins:

• Enrich Soil: Compost adds valuable nutrients back into the soil, promoting healthy plant growth.
• Reduce Waste: Divert organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and your carbon footprint.

3. Pumpkin Soup

Fall weather and soup go hand in hand. If you’re looking for ways to reuse pumpkins, making pumpkin soups is definitely a way to go! Here is a recipe that I love for pumpkin soup! If you want to make this vegan, use coconut milk instead of cream – it’s delicious.

Get the recipe here.

4. Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin muffins are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. Use your homemade pumpkin puree to create moist and flavorful muffins! Follow this recipe for the best pumpkin muffins – they even include chocolate chips. You can substitute gluten-free flour if you’d like to keep the recipe gluten-free! I’ve also added nuts and dried fruit to mine as well.

5. Composting Pumpkin

If you have a compost bin, pumpkins make excellent compost material. They are rich in nutrients that can enrich your garden soil.

• Remove any candles or decorations from the pumpkin.
• Break it into smaller pieces for faster decomposition.
• Add to your compost pile, mixing with other compost materials like leaves and grass clippings.

If I’m cooking up the rest of the pumpkin, I love to compost the guts and the stem!

6. Make a Bird Feeder

Turn your pumpkin into a bird feeder to support local wildlife.

• Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds.
• Fill the insides with birdseed.
• Hang the pumpkin halves in your garden using sturdy twine.

This is such a fun activity with kids! They love to fill up the pumpkin inside with kids and watch the birds come!

7. Make a Face Mask

Pumpkins are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them great for skincare. Create a nourishing face mask with just a few ingredients:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree with 1 tablespoon of honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Apply to your face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water to reveal glowing skin.

8. Create Animal Treats

Share the pumpkin love with your furry friends by making animal treats.

Grab the dog treat mold here!

9. Use in a Science Experiment

Pumpkins can be educational too! Use them for fun and educational science experiments with kids.

Check out these 9 Ways People Celebrate an Eco Friendly Halloween At Home With Kids and these 13+ Easy Ways to Celebrate Halloween Without Trick or Treating (Ideas for Parents and Teachers)

Whether you’re whipping up a batch of pumpkin muffins, snacking on toasted seeds, or adding to your garden with compost, these ideas ensure that no part of the pumpkin goes to waste.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about how to reuse pumpkins!

Other Posts You May Like:

• 27 Unique Eco Friendly Fall Things To Do(That Aren’t Boring!)
• The Only Eco-Friendly Cleaning Routine You Need This Fall
• Eco Friendly Tips and Tricks To Make Every Season Of Your Life More Sustainable