Life Hack: Five things you can do with your Halloween pumpkin to avoid wasting food
Pumpkin spice lattes are always a big trend in autumn
We're firmly in spooky season and pumpkins are popping up in homes nationwide. From pumpkin patches to supermarket aisles, the seasonal fruit is everywhere. However it can lead to much food waste at this time of year.
John Girvan, from catering supplier Alliance Online Ireland, says a pumpkin is for moe than just Halloween and shares some tips to make the most of the food.
“We tend to take a disposable approach to pumpkins each year, but a pumpkin doesn’t have to just be for Halloween," he said.
"With one million tonnes of food waste being thrown away in Ireland each year, now is the perfect time to be more mindful of the environment and take control of where your leftover pumpkin ends.”
“Pumpkin spice lattes are always a big trend in autumn, so why not try and save some money and make them at home? Simply roast the leftover pumpkin seeds, skin, and pulp until soft and blend into a smooth puree. Add this to your latte for an authentic, sustainable pumpkin flavour.”
“Once you’ve finished with your pumpkin decoration, why not use the leftovers as ingredients in your next meal? Pumpkin can be used in a number of delicious dishes, such as soups, cakes, muffins, stews, and pies. This will not only help reduce food waste, but cut down on household costs as well.
“It’s not just the outside of the pumpkin that can go to waste. Before you go ahead and chuck out your pumpkin seeds, consider roasting them instead. These make for a healthier snack before you go out trick or treating and taste great when paired with seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, or cinnamon.”
“The pumpkin pulp is undoubtedly what is wasted the most, but by blending the roasted pulp into a puree, you can use it in soups, sauces, or smoothies. This reduces the need to buy additional pumpkin ingredients, cutting down on food costs.”
“Composting is a great practice to incorporate into your daily routine and there’s no better place to start than with your leftover pumpkin waste.
“Pumpkin scraps make brilliant compost as they help to enrich the soil and reduce the need to use chemical fertilisers when tending to your garden. Allowing your leftovers to decompose naturally also helps to reduce the amount of waste being directed into landfills by recycling organic materials back into the environment.”
“Pumpkin crisps are a delicious, vegan alternative to what you would usually buy at the supermarket. Simply shave the pumpkin skins into bite-size pieces, toss them in olive oil, salt, and spices, and then bake until crispy. Doing this ensures you’re maximising your food leftovers and trying a new, nutritious snack.”
