Zero-waste pumpkin carving

Have a spooky and sustainable season 🎃

Every year, thousands of pumpkins go to waste, but yours don't have to. Yes, pumpkins are a staple Halloween decoration...but they're also an underrated ingredient. 

Did you know that almost everything in a pumpkin is edible? With so many delicious dishes you can create, you won't be wasting your time - or pumpkin - with these recipes.

Haven't got your pumpkin yet? Get yours from Fresh and The Market for £2.50.

P.S. Join us in halls for our pumpkin carving and spooky events to celebrate! 

The seeds: roast

The perfect snack after your hard work carving away. All you have to do is:

1. Rinse the seeds and separate the guts.
2. Coat the bottom of a baking tray in olive oil and spread the seeds on evenly.
3. Season with your favourite flavours (salt, pepper, chilli powder, paprika etc.).
4. Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Cool and start snacking.

Any leftovers can be stored and added to soups, salads, granola bars and so much more.

The flesh: purée

Not only are purées delicious on their own, but they can be added to plenty of seasonal dishes. Here's two hassle-free ways to whip it up: 

1. To steam: peel and seed the pumpkin then cut into evenly-sized cubes. Place in a steamer or colander over a pan of simmering water. Cook for 10 minutes or until a knife can slide through it. Mash and leave to cool.
2. To microwave: Place the flesh into a bowl and microwave for 20 minutes or until soft (check every 5-10 minutes). Mash and leave to cool. 

The purée: skincare

Face masks! DIY your skincare with only 3 ingredients:

• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée
• 1 tbsp Greek yoghurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp clay (optional)

Simply mix up the ingredients, apply to a clean face and neck and rinse with warm water after 15 minutes. Then see the difference! 

The skin: crisps

Swap your store-bought packet of crisps for your own veggie ones - crispy and crunchy with the perfect crack. 

1. Remove as much flesh as you can from the skin and set aside.
2. Cut the skin into medium-sized chunks. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, chilli powder and smoked paprika (or seasoning of your choice).
3.  Roast in the oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or cook in an air-fryer for 7 minutes until crispy brown. Enjoy hot or cold.

The guts: bake

Although the stringy guts of a pumpkin might seem like waste, they can be incorporated into plenty of meals. Finish the night off with a sweet treat by baking these delicious pumpkin muffins that only take 30 minutes to prepare and cook 🧁

Top waste-saving tip: Once your carved pumpkins start to soften, turn them into bird feeders by cutting your pumpkin in half and filling the bottom with bird seed!

Looking for more ways to celebrate this season? Join us in halls for a range of spookily fun events for Halloween from crafts to food! 🎃