From face masks to tasty snacks, there are many ways to reuse your pumpkins beyond carving.
As Halloween approaches, many of us will be carving pumpkins ahead of trick or treaters coming to call. But did you know that pumpkins can be used for much more than just decoration?
From face masks to tasty snacks, Too Good To Go - a company that work to rescue unsold food and stop it from going to waste - have suggestions on how to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween.
Freshen up with a pumpkin face mask
Pumpkins are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, making them a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This makes them ideal for creating a nourishing face mask for all skin types.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
Method:
- Use a small leftover pumpkin to make a puree by simply cooking and mashing it with a fork.
- Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Before applying the face mask, cleanse your face thoroughly and do a patch skin test.
- Apply the paste with clean hands to your face, avoiding sensitive areas.
- Depending on your skin type, the paste can be left on for 10-15 minutes.
- After, gently rinse your skin with warm water and follow with your normal skincare routine.
Homemade pumpkin bread
Pumpkin bread is a classic autumn treat that's easy to make at home.
- 200g pumpkin
- 80g butter
- 100g sugar
- 1 egg
- 125g plain flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Method:
- Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F) and grease and flour a loaf tin.
- Cut the scooped pumpkin into similar-sized pieces and steam for 10-15 minutes or until soft. Mash the pumpkin until smooth and strain it to remove excess water.
- Cream butter and sugar together until pale. Add the egg and continue to whisk until light and fluffy. Stir in the cooled pumpkin.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Smooth the batter into the greased and floured loaf tin and bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Tasty pumpkin seed snack
Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack.
- Scoop the seeds from the pumpkin and separate them from the stringy pulp.
- Place the seeds in a bowl with water and whisk quickly. The seeds will separate from the remaining pulp and float to the top.
- Press the seeds with a tea towel to dry them and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Bake at 170°C (338°F) for 10-15 minutes or until crunchy.
Compost it!
One of the best ways to recycle pumpkins is to compost them. Pumpkins are beneficial for soil health and can help to improve your garden.
- Remove all ornaments from the pumpkin, including the seeds if you haven't already.
- Cut or smash the pumpkin into smaller pieces for faster composting.
- Dig a small hole in your garden and place the pumpkin pieces in it.
- Cover the pumpkin pieces with soil.
- By following these tips, you can get the most out of your pumpkins this Halloween and reduce waste.
For more information about Too Good To Go.
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