GOT PUMPKINS YOU WANT TO DISPOSE OF?
Many of us have pumpkins we've been using for fall decorations around our homes that we are ready to dispose of. BUT, did you know that if you throw your left-over pumpkins into the trash when they end up in landfills and decompose they turn into methane, which is a harmful greenhouse gas?
“The pumpkin lies yellow, beneath the cold skies, it’s luscious and mellow, and ready for pies.”
... Walt Mason, The Pumpkin
So if you have left-over pumpkins you want to dispose of, do it responsibly. Here are some ideas on how to do it:
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Cook or bake them. Pumpkins can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pies, cookies, muffins, bread, soups, and stews. You can also roast or grill pumpkin. Check out 56 pumpkin recipes.
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Donate pumpkins to farms to feed them to animals. Pumpkins are a healthy and nutritious treat for animals such as pigs, cows, goats, and chickens. Places to donate your pumpkins to Charlotte area farms.
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Compost them. Pumpkins are a great source of nutrients for a compost pile. Cut them up into small pieces and add them to your compost bin. Pumpkins are 90% water and they will break down once you cut them so long as you move the seeds first.
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Donate pumpkins to a food bank or soup kitchen. Many food banks and soup kitchens accept donations of pumpkins. It's a great way to help those in need and reduce food waste.
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Turn them into seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a healthy and delicious snack. To save pumpkin seeds, simply scoop them out of the pumpkin, wash them, and roast them in the oven. Or scatter the seeds for birds, squirrels, deer that might be visiting you yard.
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Make pumpkin puree. Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. To make pumpkin puree, cook the pumpkin until it's tender, then mash it with a fork or potato masher.
- Freeze your pumpkins. Pumpkins can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze a pumpkin, simply cut it up into pieces and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
"When life gives you pumpkins, make pie.”
... Unknown
MAKE THE PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE: VIDEO
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