Halloween is here, time for costume parties and trick-or-treating. It's also the fall harvest, and farmers markets are brimming with colorful winter squashes in all shapes and sizes, including the ever-popular pumpkin.
Whether perched on porches as jack-o'-lanterns or lining entryways and garden paths, pumpkins are autumn décor staples. Of course, they're also delicious—in pie and other sweets plus savory dishes, too. What's more, pumpkins are chock-full of nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Their seeds contain antioxidants believed to support healthy prostate function, which is why you'll find pumpkin seed oil in our Prostate Health formula.*
The USDA reports that US farmers produce well over a billion pounds of pumpkins annually, with Americans spending more than $700 million every year on this seasonal fruit. While many pumpkins are consumed, a staggering number wind up in the landfill after Halloween, where they literally take years to fully decompose due to lack of oxygen and produce greenhouse gases that are harmful to our planet. Now that's scary!
7 Tips for a Greener Halloween
Fortunately, there are other ways to say goodbye to your gourds. Instead of just throwing them out on November 1, try these ideas.
Decorate
If you haven't yet carved your pumpkin and it's still holding up, you can turn it into a seasonal planter: Just cut a hole in the top and scoop out the innards (the stringy guts and the seeds). If the pumpkin is large enough, it can become a festive planter for a pot of chrysanthemums. Smaller pumpkins are perfect planters for kitchen herbs such as Rosemary, Oregano, and Sage, which are always good to have on hand while cooking this time of year.
Compost
Place your pumpkin in your compost pile, especially if it's already carved and has started to rot. It will decompose with the help of oxygen and other microorganisms and, in turn, become rich soil for your garden. If you're not a compost pile owner, there may be a composting program or farm in your community that could make good use of your pumpkin.
Save
Remove the seeds, rinse and dry them, and save in a cool, dry place for next year's garden planting. Don't have space to grow pumpkins? Donate the seeds to a local garden program or neighborhood school, or add to a bird feeder.
Snack
Roast the seeds for a convenient and healthy snack. Just toss them lightly in some olive oil and sea salt, place them on a cooking sheet, and bake them for 30 minutes at 300°F. Pumpkin seeds are naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making them an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. They're easy to pack for a hike in the woods or in a child's lunch box. Add an extra dash of cayenne pepper or cumin for additional flavor as well as support for your digestive health.*
Transform
Pumpkin puree can be used for a number of recipes and applications. Cut a whole pumpkin in half, removing the stem. Scoop out the innards and set them aside for other uses. Place each half face-down in a baking dish with a cup of water and bake for 90 minutes at 325°F, or until tender. Once fully cooked, simply scoop out the flesh from the skin and puree in a food processor until smooth. Use the puree to make pumpkin bread, fill homemade ravioli, or even in a fabulous fall chili. We especially love it in this Pumpkin Chia Pudding.
Nourish
Or, use your puree in a nourishing DIY face mask. It's packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can support tired skin and help promote radiance. To a cup of fresh pumpkin puree, add a spoonful of raw local honey for hydration and a drizzle of virgin coconut oil for moisturizing benefits. Mix well and apply evenly to your face gently with your fingers. Once applied, relax for 10 minutes to allow the mask to work its magic, then rinse and pat dry. This mask is gentle enough to use on a daily basis if desired.
Sip
Last but certainly not least, make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte at home to toast November's arrival; our recipe uses pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and our Golden Milk powder. If you ask us, a warm mug of Golden Milk also pairs perfectly with a slice of pumpkin pie. Cheers to staying warm on these cool fall nights and helping the planet at the same time!
From all of us at Gaia Herbs, we hope your Halloween is full of fun, and that you enjoy the bounty and beauty Nature has to offer this time of year.