As we get set for Halloween and the pumpkin carving begins, we wanted to know – what are you planning to do with all the leftovers?
While carving pumpkins can be a fun family activity – and we don’t want to be a party pooper – if you’re throwing all the excess straight in the bin, we might have a solution!
Enter, our “save from the bin” series…
Pimp the pumpkin flesh…
We love pumpkin because not only is it nutritionally dense, but it’s super sweet and colourful too. In fact, the reason pumpkins are orange is because they’re packed with an antioxidant called beta-carotene. Your body turns this into vitamin A and uses it to boost your immune system and support skin and eye health (yep, it’s not just carrots that help you see in the dark!).
After you scrape out the pumpkin flesh for your jack-o’-lantern, whip up some Pumpkin Purée and pop it into Pumpkin Pikelets or save some for your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie!
Save those seeds…
While they may be small, pumpkin seeds (or pepitas) pack a nutritional punch. They’re a good source of fibre, protein and contain 42 per cent of your daily intake of manganese to help your body absorb calcium and regulate blood sugar. Phew, that’s a lot of good stuff!
Toast them in a dry pan and then sprinkle over salads for extra crunch, or add them to these Gluten-free Seed Crackers.
Salvage the skin…
The skin may be more useful than you think! One study found that the antibacterial properties in pumpkin skin can actually help to treat candida skin infections (who knew?!). But… they’re also a delish snack!
Turn your pumpkin skin offcuts into some crispy pumpkin chips. Toss the skins in a dash of olive oil, salt and pepper, then pop them on a baking tray and bake at 180ºC/350ºF/Gas Mark 4 until golden and crunchy .
Happy carving!
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