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By Paul Schattenberg | Contributor
From pumpkin spice lattes to fall-themed front porches, pumpkins are a quintessential part of autumn. Experts from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service share insights on how to incorporate these beloved gourds into your home and meals.
Odessa Keenan, program coordinator for AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight initiative in Bryan-College Station, stated that pumpkins are not only a popular decoration for the fall season but are also a vital ingredient in many seasonal dishes.
Family-friendly pumpkin recipes
Keenan mentioned that pumpkins can be transformed into numerous seasonal treats and beverages. The AgriLife Extension offers various pumpkin recipes through its Dinner Tonight program.
Pumpkin puree is a simple way to use the pulp, she explained. This puree can be utilized in sweet recipes like pies, parfaits, and cookies, or in savory dishes such as hummus.
“If you take out the seeds and pulp for cooking, it should be refrigerated or cooked promptly to avoid food safety concerns,” she said. “Once you carve a pumpkin, if the pulp is exposed for more than a couple of hours, it’s best to consider it unsafe to eat.”
The puree should be kept in the refrigerator, where it typically lasts for about four days before spoiling.
“The shelf life of pumpkin puree depends on how fresh it was when purchased, its state, and potential exposure to bacteria,” she noted. “If canned properly, the puree’s shelf life can be extended to four months.”
Cooking and roasting pumpkin seeds
Keenan shared that pumpkin seeds can be made into a straightforward and nutritious seasonal snack.
“Roasting pumpkin seeds is a fun way to utilize pumpkins,” she said. “You can try various spice blends—savory, spicy, or sweet—to discover what your family likes best. Just be mindful of excess sodium or sugar.”
To prepare the seeds, she advised using a large spoon or ice cream scoop to extract the pulp and then separating the seeds. Rinse the seeds in a colander to eliminate any leftover pulp.
“It’s fine if a bit of the pumpkin flesh remains on the seeds,” Keenan added.
Pat the seeds dry using paper towels or a cloth, then mix them in a bowl with cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, or your choice of seasoning. Spread the seeds evenly on a greased cookie sheet and roast at 350 degrees for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they brown uniformly. The seeds are ready when they are golden brown.
Creative pumpkin-themed home decor
Besides the traditional Halloween jack-o’-lantern or stencil carving, Keenan suggests several other decorating ideas.
“Pumpkins are excellent for front porch decorations and fall table arrangements,” she noted. “I have also seen pumpkins used to hold flower arrangements!”
To use a pumpkin as a flower holder, she recommends carving enough of the pumpkin to accommodate a vase. Arrange and water the flowers inside the vase to lower the moisture level in the pumpkin and create space between the arrangement and the pumpkin itself.
Composting and disposing of a pumpkin
When a pumpkin eventually decomposes, its organic material is perfect for adding to a compost pile, said Joe Masabni, Ph.D., a horticulturist with AgriLife Extension in Dallas.
“It’s ideal to blend or dry it to break the rinds into smaller pieces,” he explained. “Smaller fragments decompose faster. The seeds should also be broken down, or some may sprout in your compost.”
Masabni advised that pumpkin seeds can be saved for planting by laying them flat on paper towels to air dry for about 24 hours. Once dry, store them in a plastic bag or a cool, dry place.
“Avoid drying them in an oven or direct sunlight, as that could damage them,” he cautioned. “Be sure to label the bag with the pumpkin variety and date.”
Stored properly, pumpkin seeds can remain viable for at least five years.
Pumpkin for the birds
“Used jack-o’-lanterns or decorative pumpkins can serve as snacks for wildlife,” stated Maureen Frank, Ph.D., a wildlife specialist with AgriLife Extension in Uvalde.
“If you roast pumpkin seeds, you can share them in a bird feeder with your feathered friends,” Frank advised. “Just remember not to add any salt or seasoning—stick with plain seeds.”
She suggested using a pumpkin itself as a bird feeder, referencing instructions from the Audubon organization.
“Other animals, like squirrels, raccoons, and deer, might also be attracted to pumpkin pieces, but feeding these animals can lead to problems and may violate local regulations, so it’s usually best to offer food to birds only,” she cautioned.
