11/15/2021
Concerning Pumpkins:
We had our first snow over the weekend! So this is your annual reminder that those pumpkins on your front porch are FOOD. NOT TRASH.
If you're already starting to ditch the squash for some evergreen (I'm only judging you a little bit) please remember not to send your pumpkins to the landfill. A collective 1.3 BILLION POUNDS of American pumpkins get thrown into landfills each year. That's absolutely nuts. You guys know how I feel about organic matter ending up in landfills, so I'm not going to go on and on about it again.
Things to do with your pumpkins instead of tossing them:
1. Eat them! The answer is yes, the pumpkin on your porch is edible. As long as it's a squash not a gourd, it will be tasty! No matter what shape or color it is. Just halve your pumpkin, roast it skin side up until fork tender, then puree to make everything from granola to pie to muffins. It freezes beautifully.
2. Feed the wildlife! Toss them in a field, a woods, even a ditch. Almost all herbivores and omnivores love pumpkins, and they are super nutrient rich and helps the critters pack on the winter weight. The rabbits, mice, deer, squirrels, chipmunks and decomposers will all love you for it.
3. Bring them to my house! Or any other farm/homestead with livestock. Pigs, sheep, horses, cows, chickens (especially chickens) also love pumpkins. They're good for their guts and a great food source.
4. Compost them. Or toss them at the edge of your property to decompose. Just please, please, please don't throw them in the trash.
I will happily answer any questions you have about your pumpkins before I climb off this soapbox!
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
