Fall is for pumpkins. We decorate with pumpkins and use them to cook comforting seasonal dishes. There are many creative ways to use pumpkins beyond traditional carving. Here’s a guide from Gretna Farmers Market with some creative uses for pumpkins, including fun recipes and tips for composting.
Tasty recipes
Pumpkin soup 🎃🍲
This creamy, comforting soup is perfect for chilly fall days. Simply roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, then blend it with sautéed onions, garlic, vegetable broth and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cumin. Add a splash of coconut milk or cream for a velvety texture. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Pumpkin bread 🎃🍞
For those with a sweet tooth, pumpkin bread is a must. Pureed pumpkin is mixed with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. This moist, flavorful bread can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert, and you can even add chocolate chips or nuts for extra indulgence.
Roasted pumpkin seeds 🎃🌱
Don’t toss those seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, healthy snack. Rinse the seeds, toss them in olive oil and your favorite seasonings (such as salt, paprika, or garlic powder), and roast them in the oven until crispy. They make a great topping for salads or soups, or you can enjoy them on their own.
Composting pumpkins
Once Halloween is over and the pumpkin decorations are looking a little worse for wear, don’t just throw them in the trash—compost them! Pumpkins break down easily and are an excellent addition to your compost pile, providing a valuable source of nutrients for your soil. Here’s how to compost your pumpkins effectively:
Remove seeds and decorations
If your pumpkin has been carved or painted, be sure to remove any non-organic materials like candles, glitter or paint. These items won’t break down in the compost and can introduce harmful chemicals to your soil.
Cut the pumpkin into pieces
To help the pumpkin decompose faster, cut it into smaller pieces before adding it to your compost pile. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll break down.
Layer with browns
Pumpkins are considered “green” material in composting, meaning they are rich in nitrogen. To create a balanced compost pile, mix your pumpkin pieces with “browns,” such as dry leaves, straw, or cardboard, which provide carbon.
Let it decompose
Once added to your compost pile, the pumpkin will break down over time, contributing nutrients to the compost that can be used to enrich your garden soil for the next planting season.
Shop fresh pumpkins at the Gretna Farmers Market!
From savory and sweet recipes to wholesome gardening practices, there are countless creative uses for pumpkins that go beyond carving them into jack-o’-lanterns! Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of pumpkin soup, composting your fall decorations or planting herbs in a pumpkin planter, these ideas can help you make the most of autumn.
Looking for a good pumpkin? 👀
Come on down to the Gretna Farmers Market on McKenna Ave in downtown Gretna this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon! This is the second to last weekend! Parking and directions are here. We’ll have pumpkins, local goods from talented makers, fresh produce,and a food truck!
