WATCH: How to save waste this Halloween
You can make lots of tasty treats with the insides of a pumpkin!
Have you ever wondered what happens to a pumpkin once you throw it away?
Creative pumpkin carvers across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to help prevent food waste this Halloween by rescuing their pumpkins from the bin.
In the UK, three in five people are expected to buy at least one pumpkin this year – that’s 35 million pumpkins – but just under half of those are set to go to waste.
The North Yorkshire Rotters have been attending events over the county during half-term, sharing tips on what can be done with pumpkin leftovers
WATCH: Chef Nigel Brown shows us the tasty treats we can make with pumpkins
Jeff Coates, Volunteer Coordinator with North Yorkshire Rotters, said: “We can’t wait to get out and about sharing some delicious recipes which will make great use of your pumpkin leftovers. To get you started there are plenty of ideas at the Love Food Hate Waste website.
“When you’ve finished carving your pumpkin be sure to cut the flesh into manageable chunks and store it in the fridge or simply freeze the flesh so that you can bake something at a later date. If you do decide to dispose of your pumpkin, they make a great addition to your home compost bin. You could also get creative and turn your pumpkin into a bird feeder.”
Chef Nigel Brown who led the cookery session, said: "My alternative to pumpkin pie is almost like a little canope. They're a basic waffle with pumpkin puree mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg and golden syrup on top with a slice of banana and whipped cream. It looks a lot more appealing than a pumpkin pie.
"Everyone tends to carve it out but why throw it in the bin if you can utilise the insides? You can even use the seeds by roasting or toasting them.
"You can use it for a nice sweet recipe or a savoury recipe so roasted with olive oil, garlic and stuff with your Sunday lunch. It's just a shame it's only once a year because it really is a great ingredient to use."