Don't Ghost Your Pumpkin

Every Pumpkin has a story

As October draws to a close, the Halloween season is in full swing, with pumpkins being picked from patches and cleared from supermarket shelves. As they are taken home, we want to spread the word about how to use our pumpkins responsibly while making the most of them!

Working with guidance from North Somerset Council, we want to remind everyone that pumpkins are food first. Although they are great for decorating, every pumpkin has a story, and it begins with land, water, energy and hard work. 

Although every pumpkin's story begins in the same way, it is up to us to decide how it ends. The choices we make determine the path our pumpkins take. 

Choosing to Decorate our Pumpkin 

Once our pumpkins are picked from the patch and taken home, we turn the page and decide what to write next. In the spirit of Halloween, the next chapter can often take a terrifying turn as tales of knives and carving unfold. 

Maybe this year, it is time to change the narrative. Reduce the mess and keep your pumpkins fresher for longer by choosing to decorate.

Unleash your creativity as you rummage through the craft drawer or forage in the garden for natural materials. Let your imagination run wild by creating red hair from autumn leaves or crafting fairy houses from twigs and moss. There are so many ways to get creative without carving your pumpkin. 

Choosing to decorate your pumpkin means that it will stay fresher until you are ready to eat it!

Pumpkins are food first 

Did you know that 12.8 million pumpkins bought for Halloween are likely to be left uneaten? Pumpkins are great for decorating, but it is important to remember that they are also food, grown using valuable land, water energy and hard work. 

By taking your pumpkin into the kitchen, you can enjoy a fun activity, create a delicious autumn meal and help ensure that these valuable resources not wasted. 

Pumpkins are versatile and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Roast them for savoury dishes such as soups and curries, or use them in sweet treats like pies and cakes. You can even roast the seeds for a tasty snack!

Looking for inspiration? Try out our Crown Prince Soup recipe for a delicious way to make the most out of your pumpkin. 

Just remember to remove any decorations or candles before preparing your pumpkin to eat. If you have any leftovers, try freezing them to enjoy later!

How do you want the story to end?

It is time to decide how you want your pumpkins story to end. There are still ways to make a positive impact on the environment, even when you have finished decorating, cooking an enjoying it. 

When you are done... recycle it: 

• Compost any scraps you can't use

• Freeze leftovers for later

• Save seeds for eating, planting or wildlife-friendly gardening

Before recycling: 

• Remove decorations

• Remove candle wax

• Chop pumpkins into smaller pieces before placing them in your food waste caddy. 

Food waste is them transformed into renewable energy, fertiliser and compost!

Every pumpkin has a story and we all have a part to play in how it ends. By following the guidance provided by North Somerset Council, we can reduce food waste, make the most out of our pumpkin and make sure ensure we are looking out for the world we live in.