Pumpkins are a type of squash that is generally grown for its edible seeds and fruit. The fruit of the pumpkin is a large, orange, spherical or oblong-shaped squash that ranges in size from 2 to 20 pounds.
Which means they are harvested and eaten in the fall and winter. Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is beneficial for eye health. They are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
There are virus ways one can preserve pumpkins to last longer. Just by following our listed guides and trust me, your pumpkin can last for months. So get ready to enjoy your pumpkin all season long!
8 Ways to preserve pumpkin
Preserving pumpkins is a great way to keep them from going bad and to last longer. There are a few ways to do this, but the most popular way is to dry them.
Halloween is a time of year when many people enjoy carving pumpkins. However, if you want to keep your carved pumpkin around for more than a week, you need to take some steps to preserve it.
The most important thing is to make sure the pumpkin is completely dry before you start preserving it.
1. Bath your pumpkin
It is very rare to see soaked-up pumpkin spoil. This unusual way brings life back to it, especially when used chilled water.
I don’t know if you have tried this method. If you have not, just try this procedure 👇👇
How to bath pumpkin
- Immerse your pumpkin in chilled water, and add salt or bleach to it. It helps to protect the pumpkin from decaying. Allow for at least 1-2 hours. Bring the pumpkin out from the chilled water.
- The next thing you have to do is to rub oil all over the pumpkin, bring it out and display it.
How to use vaseline and petroleum jelly to clean pumpkins.
It’s that time of year again when everyone is carving pumpkins to celebrate Halloween. If you’re like me, you probably have a few leftover pumpkins from previous years that are in desperate need of a cleaning.
There are many ways to clean a pumpkin, but one of the easiest (and most effective) is by using vaseline and petroleum jelly.
Simply apply a layer of vaseline or petroleum jelly all over the pumpkin, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The grease will help break down any stuck-on dirt or debris, making it easy to wipe away.
Afterward, rinse the pumpkin with water and dry it off with a towel. Voilà! Your pumpkin is good as new!
How to use bleach to clean your pumpkin
- Cleaning your pumpkin with bleach is a great way to get rid of any dirt or bacteria that may be on the surface.
- To begin, mix together one part bleach with nine parts water in a spray bottle.
- Then, spray the mixture all over the surface of the pumpkin and let it sit for about five minutes.
- Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the pumpkin clean.
- Finally, rinse off the pumpkin with water and allow it to dry completely before carving it.
2. You can preserve your pumpkin by canning
To can pumpkins, first cook them until they are soft. Then remove the skin and mash the pumpkin flesh. Next, put the mashed pumpkin into sterilized jars and add water or apple juice (depending on how sweet you want your preserves to be).
4. Cut the pumpkin in half and roast the seeds for a tasty snack.
- For a tasty and healthy snack, try roasting pumpkin seeds. All you need is a pumpkin, a knife, and an oven.
- Cut the pumpkin in half with a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and strings with a spoon and discard them.
- Rinse the seeds under cold water and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the seeds and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake at 300 degrees for about 25 minutes or until they are crispy. Enjoy!
5. Freeze peeled and cubed pumpkin for later use in pies, soups, or smoothies
There are a few simple steps to freezing peeled and cubed pumpkin for later use in pies, soups, or smoothies.
- First, peel and cube the pumpkin.
- Second, blanch the cubes in boiling water for two minutes.
- Third, shock the cubes in ice water.
- Fourth, drain and dry the cubes.
- Fifth, place the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze overnight.
- Sixth, transfer the frozen cubes to a gallon-sized freezer bag. The cubes will keep for up to six months in the freezer.
6. Puree cooked pumpkin and freeze it in ice cube trays.
If you are like me, you go through a lot of pumpkin puree this time of year. I like to make a big batch of it and then freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, I can just pop out a few cubes when I need them and not have to worry about the leftover puree going bad.
To make the pumpkin puree, cook a sugar pumpkin or other small winter squash until it is soft. Let it cool slightly, then remove the skin and seeds. Puree the cooked pumpkin in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Divide the puree among ice cube trays and freeze for several hours, or overnight. Once frozen, pop the cubes out of the tray and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
7. Dry thin slices of pumpkin using a food dehydrator or oven set to low heat (200 degrees F).
There are many ways to dry thin slices of pumpkin. One way is to use a food dehydrator set to low heat (200 degrees F). Another way is to use an oven set to low heat (200 degrees F).
When using a food dehydrator, the slices should be placed on the trays so that they are not touching each other. The dehydrator should be set to low heat and the pumpkin slices should be dried for about 12 hours. When using an oven, the slices should be placed on a baking sheet and baked for about 12 hours.
8. Make Pumpkin Butter
Just get one 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, pinch of salt
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Mix well.
- Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
The fall season is the perfect time to cook with fresh pumpkin. There are endless possibilities for recipes that include this versatile veggie. Here are a few of our favorites
Recipes with fresh pumpkin
- Pumpkin Soup – This classic soup is easy to make and always satisfying. Simply roast a pumpkin, then purée it with stock and spices for a delicious meal.
- Pumpkin Pie – Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie? This Thanksgiving favorite can be easily made at home with fresh pumpkin purée.
- Pumpkin Pancakes – Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy pumpkin pancakes. They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch and are sure to please everyone in the family.
Health benefit of pumpkin
- Pumpkins are a source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, leading to inflammation and disease.
- Pumpkins are also a good source of fiber, which can help keep us regular and reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes.
- Pumpkin is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a great choice for people looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
FAQ
Preserving pumpkins naturally is a great way to enjoy their beauty for as long as possible. When harvested correctly, pumpkins can be stored for up to six months in a cool, dry place.
Spraying the outside of the pumpkin with diluted bleach or rubbing them down with mineral oil are two simple and effective ways to lengthen their life. Drying out the stem and curing the pumpkin after it has been harvested will also help keep them healthy for longer.
The answer to the question “Does salt preserve pumpkins?” is yes. The presence of salt in a solution helps to draw out moisture from the pumpkin, which prevents it from spoiling and extending its shelf life. Pumpkins preserved with salt can last up to a year if stored correctly.
However, it’s important to note that the results will vary depending on the type of pumpkin and the conditions in which it is stored.
Preserving pumpkin without bleach is a safe and simple process. All you need is fresh pumpkin, a few supplies from the kitchen, and several hours of time. Once your pumpkins are preserved, they can be used in a variety of creative ways including decorating, playing music with them, or making decorative bowls.
Not only will you have a beautiful keepsake, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of preserving food without using harsh chemicals.
Pumpkins can last for a few weeks when left outside. If you want to extend their life, however, it is best to bring them inside or keep them in a cool, dry place.
For best results, make sure the pumpkin is kept out of direct sunlight and away from any sources of moisture. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your pumpkin remains intact long enough to create unique decorations or carve a festive jack-o-lantern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preserving pumpkin is important because it can be used in many recipes throughout the year. It is a healthy and affordable ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes. By preserving pumpkin, you can enjoy its delicious flavor all year long.
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