Using Dried Pumpkin and Squash

Dried pumpkin and squash puree is easy to store, will keep well for a long time, and makes great baked goods. Using dehydrated pumpkin is convenient, and it's got varied applications as well. Rehydrating puree to use the dehydrated pumpkin in a pie or bread is simple and quick. Also, since it's easy to store, using dehydrated pumpkin and squash for emergency food stores or on the go snacking is a natural solution.

I store my dehydrated pumpkin in amounts that I know were two cups of puree before I dehydrated them. This makes it very simple to get the ratio of dehydrated pumpkin and water correct. Tear the dehydrated pumpkin into small pieces and place them in a large glass measuring cup. Then pour enough hot water over them to equal two cups. Allow this to sit, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes.

Sometimes the puree will remain lumpy even after it has been re-hydrated. I solve this by using my stick blender to whir it back together making it very smooth and ready for baking. I then use the stick blender to mix up the rest of my pumpkin pie ingredients as I add them to the bowl with the re-hydrated pumpkin puree. A regular blender would also be a great tool for this, since it's very easy to pour the prepared pie filling in the pie shell with it.

Besides baking pies and other baked goods, re-hydrated pumpkin puree is a good snack. It can be eaten plain, without re-hydrating, but I find that a bit too chewy and not as good. A very nice way to eat the puree is to re-hydrate it, then stir in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle in cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg, and cloves if you desire.

A baggie of dehydrated pumpkin puree would be a good item to include in a car's emergency supplies. If you travel frequently in isolated areas, it's a smart precaution to have water, a way to heat it, and high energy food packed in your vehicle. Pumpkin puree is good because it's very high in vitamins and minerals, and with the addition of a source of sugar, like an applesauce fruit roll up, will provide long lasting energy stores for your body.

Dehydrated puree is also a good food for babies and toddlers. If you've prepared it yourself, you know that it is safe, and it's very easy to take with you in a diaper bag or purse. There's no chance of dried food spoiling or spilling or breaking in your bag, and all that's needed to have it ready to eat in some hot water to re-hydrate it. Of course, it shouldn't be sweetened with honey for any child under the age of one year, but most squash is sweet enough on it's own and a treat even without sweetener.

Using dehydrated pumpkin and squash puree is as simple as adding water, and it's many uses and easy storage make it a versatile food item to have on hand.