#CookEveryPart of a carving pumpkin

Ghost stories at the ready, Halloween is just around the corner, which means pumpkin carving is high on the list of fun things to do with friends and family this autumn. As pumpkin picking becomes ever-more popular, however, it's no surprise that each year 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are thrown away or put into the food waste!

But fear not. Cookpad is here to help combat this winter squash waste with useful tips and recipes to help you #CookEveryPart!

Did you know? Pumpkins are low in calories and fat, but rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. They get their beautiful orange colour from beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A to help boost your immune system to prime your body ready to face the winter’s colds.

So let's get started...

What can I eat?
From their skin to their seeds carving pumpkins are 100% edible when cooked (just avoid the stalk!). So eating the insides and any chunks you carve out is the tastiest way to save waste.

Pumpkin seeds
The first treat to be enjoyed is the humble pumpkin seed. When carving your pumpkin, simply set these seeds aside, wash and dry them separating them from any string (don't discard this), and place on a lined baking sheet, toss with spices, salt and a splash of oil and roast for the perfect pumpkin carving snack. Check out a whole host of recipes ideas here for how to cook pumpkin seeds.

String and skin
Don't be quick to throw away any stringy pumpkin bits or pumpkin chunks you've carved as these can make the base of a warming autumn soup as Vicky explains in the intro to her recipe (below) or why not use them to make puree for cakes, bread or gnocchi, roasted for tray bakes, or add to curries and risottos! The skin from carving pumpkins is edible, too, just make sure you've given it a good wash or scrub and cooked it thoroughly, so it's soft and tender.

Carved pumpkins
Unfortunately carved pumpkins which have been kept outside or displayed inside for more than 24 hours shouldnt be eaten. But there are ways you can make sure it doesn't go to landfill. Why not start a compost heap at home, if you have a garden or visit your local allotment and ask if you can contribute to theirs!

For more pumpkin recipes and ideas checkout Cookpad's recipes today!