6 Ideas To Make The Most Of Your Pumpkin This Season

When it comes to fall, there’s something very magical about pumpkins. Everybody loves the process of carving their own Jack-o-lantern, and they always help your home get into the spooky spirit of the season. However, it’s easy to overlook all the other incredible ways your pumpkin can be used. As society adopts a more eco-conscious attitude, people are discovering more and more ways to use every part of the pumpkin so that nothing goes to waste. Read on to see how you can be sure to make the most out of your pumpkin this October!

1. Roast the seeds
Pumpkin seeds are delicious when properly roasted, and any pumpkin will do the trick. To start, scoop out the guts and separate the seeds (pro tip: reuse a Converpro container to hold your mess!). Next, thoroughly rinse your seeds and pat dry. Mix cleaned seeds with a few spoonfuls of melted butter, and season to taste. Bake at 350 degrees for around 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. That’s it! Now you have a full batch of delicious roasted pumpkin seeds that otherwise would have gone to a landfill.

2. Use the guts to make soup
We bet you didn’t know you can make pumpkin stock from your Jack-o-lantern! There are so many different recipes out there, but here’s our favorite: Place pumpkin guts, onion trimmings, and water into a pot. Bring to a slow simmer and cook for another 15 minutes. Remove mixture from heat and let it cool down. Remove the solids by straining and viola! You have homemade pumpkin stock that you can craft into any fall soup. You can even freeze it for more extended storage to enjoy all season long!

3. Make your own puree for Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Every delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte requires a pumpkin puree. To craft your own DIY puree, gut your pumpkin and cut it in half. Sprinkle with salt and lay the halves on a pan. Roast 30 minutes or until it’s soft when poked with a fork. Let the pumpkin cool, then remove roasted flesh and place in a food processor. Process until smooth, and you’re done! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or keep in the freezer to keep it fresh for months!

4. Bake pumpkin chips
Wondering what to do with all the pieces you cut to create your scary Jack-o-lantern? You can make your own baked pumpkin chips! This is an easy snack that will save your scraps from a landfill. To start, you’ll need to cut very thin slices with a vegetable peeler. Season your chips with salt, oil, and rosemary. Place them in a pan and bake at 180 degrees for 15 minutes. These chips will be sweet, salty, and healthy and can be enjoyed with any of your favorite dips and sauces!

5. Turn unused pumpkins into planters
If you’ve bought too many pumpkins and are unsure how to decorate your home’s curb appeal, one great way is to use your pumpkin as a makeshift planter! Any pumpkin will work as a great home for your plants. Simply hollow it out as you would to create a Jack-o-lantern and fill half full with potting soil. Gently place your plant into the soil and fill it with more potting soil. When your pumpkin naturally begins to rot, you can actually plant the pumpkin into the ground. The rotting pumpkin will act as a fertilizer!

6. Donate pumpkins to your local zoo after Halloween
If you have an unaltered pumpkin and are unsure how to dispose of it, one great way is to compost it. There’s also another super fun way to make sure your pumpkin gets good use—not many people realize it, but your local zoo will likely accept pumpkins after Halloween! Call up your local shelter, zoo, or sanctuary to see if they’ll take your spooky donation—many zoos find that pumpkins provide much-needed stimulation for bored animals. They’re also a yummy, natural snack that all kinds of bigger animals will enjoy. If your zoo won’t accept your pumpkin, and you live in a wooded area, you can also leave it in your yard for deer and other wildlife to snack on.

Finding ways to reuse what you already have is important for the health of our planet. With a biodegradable object like a pumpkin, there are endless ways to extend its life and get more use out of every part. At Carvajal, we love discovering new and exciting ways to reuse and recycle disposable packaging. If you’ve found a new way to upcycle your Carvajal Packaging containers, we would love to hear about it! Let us know all about how you’re adopting a more eco-conscious mindset this Halloween season.