So you and your preschooler just carved a jack-o-lantern and now you’re wondering what to do with the pumpkin “guts.” Should they go in the kitchen trash, or the garage trash… the answer is NEITHER! It’s a little known fact that the innards of a pumpkin can offer a multitude of practical uses. Below are just a few of them for you to use this fall.
Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
This is a classic pumpkin activity and for good reason–roasted pumpkin seeds are delicious! All you need to do is clean and dry the seeds, then toss them in a bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at a low temperature until crispy. This will be an easy and fun snack that you can make with your little one!
Make Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is great for baking and cooking–it can be used in pies, breads, pancakes, and more. Simply scoop out the pumpkin insides, puree in a blender or food processor, and voila! You can even freeze it in small batches to use later; for an added element of fun for your child, find some Halloween-shaped silicone molds to freeze the pumpkin puree in!
Use it as Compost
Pumpkin guts make great compost–they’re full of nutrients that will help your plants grow. Just add them to your compost bin or pile along with your other yard waste. Use this as an opportunity to teach your preschooler about compost and decomposition in food!
Make a Tasty Dog Treat
Pumpkin guts are a great source of fiber and vitamins A and C, and they’re also a dewormer. When feeding your dog pumpkin guts, be sure to use real, de-seeded and pureed pumpkin guts, and not canned pie filling, which can contain sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. To prepare the pumpkin guts, simply puree the de-seeded pumpkin guts in a blender or food processor. You can then mix the puree with your dog’s regular kibble, or feed it to them straight from the bowl. If you’re not sure how much to give, start with 1-2 teaspoons for small dogs and 1-3 tablespoons for large dogs. They’ll let you know if they like the taste!
Pumpkins are not just jack-o-lanterns waiting to happen. They can also be used for many practical purposes. From roasted pumpkin seeds to using the guts as compost, there are many ways to involve your preschooler as you make full use of this fall fruit. So next time you’re carving a pumpkin, be sure to save the insides for one of these fun and useful activities!
If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family.
Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Waterford Lakes located in Orlando, Florida? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.