Preserving Edible Pumpkin Parts After Carving: Halloween Treats

Autumn is here, and that means pumpkins and Halloween. Pumpkins and their seeds can contribute many vital health benefits. A pumpkin's bright orange color is a clear giveaway that it is packed with beta-carotene. This robust antioxidant can lower our risk of heart disease and even cancer. Pumpkins, which are actually a fruit, are fat-free and contain vitamin C and potassium, along with other vital nutrients, like fiber. Pumpkin seeds are a strong source of zinc and omega-3 fats. These are just some of the antioxidants that pumpkins pack away in their underbellies. If you think your diet would restrict you from eating pumpkin, think again. Pumpkins are made up of 90 percent water! When you carve that jack o'lantern this year, don't trash the insides. Nutrition experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say that pumpkins are packed with all sorts of nutrients. Bake the seeds and make some pie, muffins or bread out off the pumpkin's nutritious insides. Great recipes exist on the Internet and other places for delicious pumpkin recipes.

What's the best way to carve a pumpkin and still preserve its insides for baking use?

So, you've found the perfect pumpkin, so it's finally time to carve your jack o' lantern. You'll need to hollow out the pumpkin completely, which is one messy job, so grab a few aprons and a few extra helping hands. Start out by cutting a circle around the stem, and cut the lid off the pumpkin. You'll need to cut into the pumpkin at an angle without breaking the lid, which you'll need to put back on later. Put some muscle into it because the skin of the pumpkin is tough.

Once you've taken the top off, scrape any seeds off it. With a large spoon scrape out all the goop and keep the pulp (walls of the pumpkin) to make a pumpkin pie or some bread. Leave enough pulp on the walls to keep the walls strong. Keep the seeds. Wash and dry them and then roast them in the oven. They are a healthy snack.

When you've scraped out all the "goop" and kept all the pulp you want, you can start working with your design. The easiest way to make your design is to draw the design on the pumpkin with a felt-tip pen and then carve the design out using your drawing as a guide. Now, you don't want your hard work to rot, so the best way to preserve your jack o'lantern is to brush the edges and sides with cooking oil.

Enjoy scaring those trick or treaters or creating delicious dishes.

Source: www.freshfoodcentral.com