Pumpkin party: How to make the most of these nutritious seasonal treats!

Spooky season is upon us, bringing an abundance of plump pumpkins and gorgeous gourds to retailers across Ireland.

If you’d like to extend the life of your pumpkins post-Halloween, why not try saving the seeds for replanting next year, or sharing the spoils of your carvings with feathered friends in the garden? The juicy flesh and tasty seeds will be a welcome snack on bird feeders as the colder weather encroaches, and also make a healthy treat for humans. You can lightly roast seeds and use them in this delicious Carrot and Pumpkin Seed Salad from Bord Bia, or sprinkle them as garnish on your pumpkin soup.

When the decorations come down in November, remember to dispose of your carved pumpkins in your brown bin or add them to your compost heap. High in moisture and nitrogen, they break down quickly and are great for soil health, just make sure to remove any wax or artificial decorations before composting.

Seed savers

Saving the seeds for planting in spring is a fun activity with kids and is a great way of demonstrating the year-long lifecycle of a pumpkin plant, from seed to harvest.

Start by scooping the seeds into a colander when carving, then gently wash away the pulp and flesh under cool water. Gather the largest seeds and lay the best out to dry on a sheet of parchment paper or foil. Do not use kitchen towel or paper napkins as these will stick to the seeds.

Some patience is required next! Store the seeds in a warm, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight for three to four weeks, remembering to turn them every few days. Try the bend test to check if they are fully dry. If they snap in two instead of bending, then they’re ready to be stored away until next year.

Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place over winter. These will be ready for sowing in late spring. Start by soaking the seeds for several hours in warm water before sowing indoors in April, and moving to a sunny but sheltered spot outside once the threat of frost has passed in May/June.

Plant approximately three metres apart, cover with mulch or compost, water regularly, and protect from slugs and snails, especially in damp weather. Come autumn, your pumpkins should be ready for harvesting, carving, cooking, and enjoying all over again!

Learn more about the benefits of pumpkins here