PUMPKINS…Not just a decoration!

Pumpkin carving is such a wonderful Halloween tradition! It brings families together for a fun, creative activity and leaves you with some fantastic spooky decorations to boot. But with Halloween is over  it’s important to remember that we don’t need to let our pumpkins go to waste. Did you know that in the UK alone, around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are discarded each year after being carved? That’s a lot of potential going in the bin!

At Roots and Vines, we’re passionate about reducing food waste, and our locally grown pumpkins are too good to waste. Here are some of our favourite ideas to help you make the most out of your pumpkin once the carving is done.

Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Try

Pumpkin is such a versatile ingredient! Whether you’ve got a large pumpkin or just the leftovers from your Halloween creation, there are so many ways to use it.

• Roasted Pumpkin: A simple but tasty way to enjoy pumpkin is by roasting it. Just slice it up, toss with a bit of olive oil, salt, and your favourite herbs, and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect as a side dish or tossed into salads.
• Pumpkin Soup: Warm up those autumn evenings with a hearty pumpkin soup. You can blend it with a bit of cream, or keep it light with vegetable stock and spices like cumin or nutmeg.
• Pumpkin Risotto: For something a little fancier, pumpkin risotto is a great option. The sweetness of the pumpkin pairs beautifully with the creamy, savoury rice.
• Pumpkin Pie: Of course, we can’t forget about dessert! Pumpkin pie is a classic way to turn leftover pumpkin into something delicious and comforting.

Pumpkins for Your Pets

Did you know that pumpkin is a healthy, tasty treat for dogs? Full of vitamins and fibre, it’s great for their digestion. You can serve it raw in small amounts, cook it into a puree and mix with their regular food, or even freeze pumpkin cubes for a refreshing snack that’ll last longer. Just be sure to avoid any parts of the pumpkin that have been sitting out with candles or decorations, as these could be harmful.

Snack on Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t throw out those seeds! Pumpkin seeds make a crunchy, nutritious snack. All you need to do is scoop them out, wash them, and dry them. Toss them with a little oil and salt, then roast them in the oven until golden. For a bit of extra flavour, you can add spices like paprika, cumin, or even cinnamon.

If you’d rather share with the local wildlife, pumpkin seeds are also a hit with birds. Just make sure to skip the oil and salt if you’re offering them to your feathered friends. They’ll thank you for it!

Composting Pumpkins

If you’re done with your pumpkin and don’t fancy eating it, why not add it to your compost heap? Pumpkins break down easily and are full of nutrients, making them a great addition to your compost bin. Simply break it up into smaller pieces and let nature do the rest. Bonus: worms absolutely love pumpkins, so your garden will thrive!

This Halloween, let’s all do our bit to reduce food waste. Whether you’re turning your leftover pumpkin into a warming meal, treating your pet, or giving your compost a boost, there are plenty of ways to make sure nothing goes to waste. Pop into Roots and Vines for your locally grown pumpkins, and don’t forget to check our website for more recipe inspiration!

Happy carving, and happy cooking! 🎃