Thursday, November 5, 2009

Keep Pumpkins Fresh







Keep your pumpkin fresh all year round after using it for Halloween.


The carved pumpkin was originally associated with the harvesting season before becoming a symbol of Halloween in the US. It seems a shame to waste a whole pumpkin whose sole purpose has been to be displayed during Halloween. Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid throwing your pumpkin away after the spooky season is over.


Instructions


Halloween Pumpkins


1. Choose pumpkins that don't have bruises or blemishes.


2. Carve it the week of Halloween and not sooner to prevent rotting due to the warmth of your home.








3. Place your pumpkin in a cool spot -- putting it near radiators will increase the risk of mold developing.


4. Don't carve the pumpkin but paint the outside instead; your pumpkin will keep for several weeks longer than one that has been carved.


Pumpkins to Eat


5. Cut the pumpkin in half with a sharp knife. Then cut the flesh into cubes.


6. Cook the pumpkin in boiling water. Allow it to simmer for roughly 2 hours. Alternatively, you can roast the pumpkin cubes or roast it without carving for 1-2 hours at a medium heat.


7. Place the pumpkin cubes or the roasted scooped out flesh into freezer bags or airtight containers. It's a good idea to measure how much pumpkin you will need for each recipe you make, so you can adequately proportion each container and avoid defrosting more than necessary.

Tags: your pumpkin, flesh into, pumpkin cubes, pumpkin will