All About Pumpkins

Hello friends, welcome to All About Pumpkins. Today I’ll share with you everything I know about pumpkins, and yummy recipes for all things pumpkin. Okay maybe not all things, but a lot of good to know things about pumpkins. (smile)

HOW TO PICK THE BEST PUMPKIN

There’s a plethora of pumpkins in the fields and at the market this time of year, but how do you know which one to bring home? If you see me at the market or picking up pumpkins from the local farm, you will see me check for full color all around (the pumpkin should all be one color, except for the stem) and then I “thump a pumpkin”. I use the thump as my second confirmation that a pumpkin is ripe. When you thump (slap) a pumpkin it should sound hollow. If you want to add one more method to the list you can do the nail poke.  Although I don’t use this method, it is one many pumpkin lovers use. Simply press your fingernail into the pumpkin, if you make a mark, it is not ready yet. A ripe pumpkin has very hard skin and stem.

If you are fortunate enough to have a local farm nearby, they may let you pick your own pumpkin, try and cut the stem between 3-5 inches long. The longer the stem the slower it will rot. You will also want to “disinfect the pumpkin” by using a 1/4 tsp. of bleach in 3 Cups of water. Make sure it dries completely. This will kill bacteria and organisms that may be on the pumpkin. Which will also lengthen the life of your pumpkin. If you don’t plan to use it straight away. You can store a pumpkin in a cool dark place for up to a month. Pumpkins do not like sunshine after they have been cut from the vine.

PREPPING YOUR PUMPKIN FOR COOKING

Are you planning to make something yummy with your pumpkin? Lets get it ready. How to Quickly Peel, Seed and Cut a Pumpkin. I had planned to create a video, but I found this video to be just what you need to know for prepping your pumpkin for cooking.

Now that you’ve scooped the seeds and cut it into chunks, let’s make something yummy!

Healthy Pumpkin Pasta

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Spice Bread

You can get the harvest loaf pan below (smile)

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season, I look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow for TFT day!