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Top Ten Different Ways to Use Pumpkins
Filed under Gardening TipsDec 24the chunks in a large pot, cover with water (fully immersing the pumpkins, plus one inch of water on top), and boil until tender.
After you have used one of the methods above to soften the pumpkin, cool it off, peel it, and mash it in a food processor. You can also use a potato masher or similar device.
Then, simply seal the puree into zip lock bags, or whatever is convenient, and freeze it for for the winter. The puree can be used as a substitute for canned pumpkin, in any recipe.
Pumpkin for Pets
Mashed pumpkin is a great remedy for digestive trouble in dogs. It can be used to combat weight gain or diarrhea, and for resistance to infections. It’s also said to be good for a dog’s night vision and general health.
Simply add a few spoons of cooked and mashed pumpkin to your dog’s food. (Important: it must be pure mashed pumpkin, not a mix!)
Cats may like pumpkin as well, and it can be given to help cats with similar digestive troubles, as well as hairballs.
Remember, if your pet is sick, take him to the vet! Also, ask your vet about using pumpkin as a home remedy.
Pumpkins for the Skin
Pumpkins contain anti-oxidants and alpha-hydroxy, which are said to be good for the skin. You can use pumpkin peels as a facial, to combat wrinkles or other skin problems.
Pumpkins as Dishes
You can clean a pumpkin well, cut it in half, and dry it for use as a serving bowl or a flower vase. You can also use a halved pumpkin to cook or bake other foods in.
Pumpkins as Ornaments
Pumpkins, gourds, and squash can be used to create candle holders, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and other ornaments.
Pumpkins for Children and Games
Pumpkins can be used for children’s drawing or carving contests. If your kids are too little to start carving yet, they can also decorate pumpkins with markers or paint – or even create a pumpkin collage. Another use of pumpkins is as targets for archery practice.
But we definitely don’t recommend any games that involve throwing pumpkins, nor using them as substitutes for foot balls.
Possibly even better, how about a cross between a Jack-O-Lantern, a Snow Man, and a Scare Crow? Your kids might have a great time making a Pumpkin Man – and it’s much better for them than watching TV.
Pumpkins for Crafts
If you’re an experienced craftsman or a devout hobbyist, you might try some more advanced and creative uses of pumpkins. You can make pumpkin leather like the American Indians did, or just settle with a simple pumpkin bird house.
Musical Pumpkins
Yes, that’s right, pumpkins make great musical instruments as well. Or, at least they can if you know how to make (and play) them. You can find a variety of ideas for instruments that can be made from gourds, squashes, and pumpkins. Although many musical instruments are made from gourds, one can easily imagine how a large or small pumpkin would do just as well in several cases.
As you can see, there’s really no need for pumpkins to go to waste, either before Halloween or afterwards.
During economic recessions, it’s not uncommon that people have more time on their hands than they have money. A woman who’s lost her job doesn’t stop looking for work. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have more time on her hands, which she can use for a few creative domestic tasks, that help keep costs down.
Instead of letting extra pumpkins go to waste, the above are a few ways you can stretch your grocery budget a bit further, invest some time in your health, get your kids away from the screen, and have some fun at the same time.
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others understand how to utilize existing resources in their lives, reduce waste, and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. Find out more at her blogs, Source and Resource and Build and Rebuild.
Source Article: Uses for Pumpkins
