Want to learn how to preserve pumpkins so that you can enjoy them all year round? Read on to find out two simple and natural methods to preserve this iconic fall fruit.
Although fall brings the yummy taste of pumpkin to countless food and drinks recipes, once winter sets in, pumpkins are much less available. If you can’t get enough of those homemade pumpkin spice lattes, or vegan pumpkin cake, try one of these natural methods to preserve pumpkin all year round.
How to Preserve Pumpkins: The Freezing Method
Freezing pumpkin often yields the best preservation of the pumpkin, and can stay in the freezer for up to 8 months. In order to freeze your pumpkin, follow these simple steps.
Ingredients:
- ripe pumpkins, washed
- cutting board
- knife
- large pot
- large bowl
- potato masher/food processor
- freezer safe containers
Instructions:
- Once you have carefully washed your pumpkins, cut them into pieces and place them into the large pot filled with water.
- Boil the water and pumpkin, until soft, about 30 minutes. Check with a fork to see if the pumpkin is done.
- Remove pumpkin pieces from water, and set aside to let cool.
- Once cool, remove the seeds/pulp and rind, and place them inside the large bowl. (Bonus: roast the pumpkin seeds in the oven)
- Mash with a potato masher or food processor, and then place inside the freezer-safe containers.
When it comes time to use your frozen pumpkin purée, consider recipes like vegan pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin dip.
How to Preserve Pumpkin: Pickling Method
If you want to preserve your pumpkins for recipes outside of the seasonal timeframe, another option for preserving pumpkins is pickling. However, you must use a pressure canner in order to maintain food safety, regular home/water canning is not a good option for pumpkins. In order to can your pumpkin, follow these steps.
Ingredients:
- large ripe pumpkin, washed
- cutting board
- knife
- large pot
- 2 cups water
- 8 tbsp vinegar
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup sugar
- cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or cloves, to taste
Instructions:
- Dice the pumpkin into small cubes and place it inside the large pot with the water and vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 2 hours (or longer in the fridge).
- Then add optional spices, sugar, or additional flavors into the mixture and boil for 30 minutes, until soft.
- Add mixture to pickling jars – just be sure to sterilize your jars for canning beforehand.
- Pickled pumpkin is best stored in a dark area, and if unopened can be preserved for up to one year. If opened, place in fridge and eat within a month.
Read more:
- How to Plant & Grow Pumpkins: All You Need to Know
- Reuse Vegetable Scraps: Skip the Trash and Put Food Back on Your Plate
- Pumpkin Gnocchi With Sage Butter Sauce: All-Natural Recipe
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