How to Process and Store a Pumpkin

Today I harvested another garden fresh pumpkin. I was under the impression that, you could only use pumpkins for Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkin Pie. Boy was I wrong! I realize now, that there are many recipes that include pumpkin, as another favorable veggie. Check out this Pumpkin Soup recipe, and you'll see what I mean.

I'll show you how easy it is to take a big pumpkin, cut it up, and store it to enjoy this all throughout this fall. 
Note: We will not be cooking the pumpkin for this tutorial.


You'll need some tools:

• A nice sharpen knife
• A Spoon, for scooping out guts.
• Gloves, unless you don't mind getting stinky with pumpkin goo.
• A bowl, to save your seeds (We'll be baking these!)
• Gallon Ziploc bags
• Trash Bag, to toss the guts and skin.

START SLICING 

Start by cutting your Pumpkin in half, removing the steam and discarding it.

Then Remove the Guts, and carefully separate the seeds into their own bowl. Discard the guts.

Now you will want to cut that half of the pumpkin (1), into another half (2), then again (3), and once more (4). This will make it easier for removing the skin. 

Then carefully slice the skin off of the pumpkin flesh, ensuring to keep as much of the yellow as you can. 

Once the skin is removed, you can cut the pumpkin into chunks. Try to keep them even, so that it is easier to cook them later on. 

Store your pumpkin cubes in the Ziploc bags, I filled 3 whole gallon bags to process this pumpkin. 

Don't forget about your seeds! 

Lay those flat on a baking sheet, Sprinkle some Cinnamon, and bake them at 350F degrees for 30 minutes. Yummy snack!

Now you can enjoy delicious pumpkin throughout the fall and winter seasons. 
Tell me what you made your pumpkin into!