Going Green for Halloween: Getting the most out of your pumpkins

Fall is a great time to get out to the pumpkin patch and harvest nature’s finest autumn decorations. But what can you do with those pumpkins once Halloween is over. Here are some ideas:

Pumpkin Guts
After you have carved your jack-o-lantern, those gooey pumpkin guts can be pureed and added to recipes. Pumpkin seeds can also make a yummy snack. Just rinse thoroughly, add a little olive oil and salt, then bake in a single layer at 300 degrees for 40 minutes. Add some extra flavor with some cajun spice, parmesan, sweet chili, chipotle, or garlic salt.

Pumpkin Treats
If you haven’t carved your pumpkin, you can use it in a variety of recipes, including pies and pancakes. Pureed pumpkin can also be frozen and used later in your Thanksgiving treats.

Pumpkin Art
Scoop out any soft flesh from a pumpkin and allow the inside to dry; then oil the outer shell and you’ve got a lovely fall planter. Pumpkins also make excellent bird feeders – just drill, fill and hang. Pumpkins can also be made into festive serving bowls for your favorite fall soups.

Pumpkin Smash
Physics gets fun when the experiment is rolling a pumpkin off the roof of the Carnegie Science Center. Bring your jack-o-lantern to this day of exploding, compostable pumpkin fun on November 5, 2016! Go to http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/calendar/event-details/?eventID=2387 for more information.

Compost
When all else fails, chop your pumpkin into pieces, add it to the compost pile, and your pumpkin can fertilize your plants in the spring.