Beyond Halloween: 6 Creative Uses for Leftover Pumpkin This Fall
Discover > Texas Mom Blog > Beyond Halloween: 6 Creative Uses for Leftover Pumpkin This Fall
Nothing says "autumn" quite like the cozy, vibrant colors of a pumpkin on your doorstep. The practice of carving jack-o-lanterns first originated in the countries of Scotland and Ireland, where citizens would shape faces out of hollowed root vegetables in order to ward off evil spirits. Over time, immigrants brought the tradition to America, which now produces around 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin each year.
Aside from creepy carvings, there are many creative ways to make the most of your pumpkin décor. From home accents to tasty autumn treats, these 6 fun DIYs will help you carry on the Halloween spirit far beyond October 31st.
Pumpkin Candles
Pumpkin-scented candles are always a hot ticket item this time of year, but why settle for artificial fragrance when you can easily make the real thing? Authentic, aromatic pumpkin candles can easily be crafted with just a few simple materials: the most important of which are small, decorative pumpkins or gourds.
Wax can be poured into the hollowed centers, and once lit, the heat of the flame will release the pumpkin's natural scent, filling your home with cozy autumn vibes. For candles that are extra beneficial, use beeswax for the candle base. Beeswax offers a host of handy health benefits, releasing negative ions that help to neutralize pollutants in the air such as dust, mold, and other pesky allergens.
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Birdfeeders
When the cold weather sets in, offer your feathered friends a meal in a stylish pumpkin birdfeeder. Any hollow pumpkin weighing up to ten pounds makes for a lovely post-Halloween feeder, and can easily be crafted with readily-available materials such as small sticks, twine or rope. Add your favorite choice of birdseed, or fill the hollow gourd with water to create a festive bird bath.
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Pumpkin Serving Bowls
Soup is the perfect autumn meal, made even cozier when presented in a festive pumpkin serving dish. Thoroughly clean out the interior of any healthy, unblemished pumpkin or gourd and use it to serve up snacks, soups and more. To add an extra burst of flavor to your dish, season the pumpkin bowls with salt for savory meals, and sugar for sweet desserts.
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Make a Pumpkin Puree
For a truly zero-waste DIY, utilize the pulp leftover from hollowing out your pumpkin to create a multipurpose puree: a delicious addition everything from doughnut and pancake batters to oatmeal, to savory dishes such as soup, ravioli and lasagna. A simple pumpkin puree consists only of cooked, peeled and pureed pumpkin, making it a versatile ingredient for an endless array of fall dishes.
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Roast the Seeds for a Healthy Autumn Treat
Small but mighty, roasted pumpkin seeds (how long do pumpkin seeds last?) are a bountiful source of valuable nutrients, such as magnesium, zinc, potassium and Vitamin B2. High in antioxidants, the seeds (how long do seeds last?) can reduce inflammation and protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, guarding against many diseases in the process.
Pumpkin seeds have been known to lower blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and even reduce the risk for developing stomach, breast and lung cancers. Seeds can be tossed in a variety of seasonings from sweet to savory, and roasted in the oven at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
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Create Compost for Next Year's Garden
As the leaves begin to fall, spring may seem quite far away, but it's never too early to prepare the soil for a future garden. Leftover pumpkin makes for an excellent compost, granting your soil extra fertility. Simply dig a hole in your yard or garden bed, add the pumpkin, and replace the soil to allow the composting process to occur naturally over the cold months.
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For any DIY involving consumption--by people, or by our furry friends--it is important to use only pumpkin that has not been bleached or otherwise preserved by chemical means. Vinegar is a healthy and environmentally-friendly alternative for preserving your carved pumpkins, allowing them to be safely repurposed once Halloween draws to a close. Stay tuned to texasrealfood.com for additional crafts, recipes and tips this fall season.
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