'Tis the season for pumpkin-everything: candles, lattes, pie… even toothpaste all seem to be taken over by our favorite orange gourd this time of year.
Personally, my favorite way to enjoy pumpkin flavor is straight from the source itself. Of course, there is no better way of doing this than by taking part in some good old jack-o'-lantern carving.
Whether you decide to get fancy with your pumpkin carving or adhere to traditions, you are always going to find yourself with dealing with pumpkin guts.
Reaching into the pumpkin and pulling out the pulpy innards is one of my guilty pleasures, as is roasting the seeds inside. However, I never knew that there were a plethora of other uses for the orange goo.
In fact, you'll never even think about throwing out your pumpkin guts again after learning about all the awesome ways you can put them to good use.
1. Make Trail Mix
The best thing about making your own trail mix is that you can make it however you want. Hate almonds? Skip them. Do you wish your favorite mix had more chocolate? There's a way to fix that.
Try incorporating roasted pumpkin seeds into your homemade trail mix along with the nuts and munchies of your choice.
2. Make A Smoothie
Smoothies are an awesome, protein-rich way to start your day and keep you going throughout it.
Give your morning smoothie a little autumn love by adding in some pumpkin guts in the blender along with your other ingredients.
The end result will have a beautiful color and a flavor fitting of the season!
3. Make Pumpkin Soup
There's no better way to warm up on a crisp autumn day than with a warm cup of pumpkin soup.
I'll admit that this usually comes from a can for me, but nothing compares to some fresh pumpkin soup. Thanks to pumpkin guts, it's easier than ever!
4. Make Body Scrub
According to the International Dermal Institute, pumpkin is packed with all kinds of skin-saving properties.
Fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids help to brighten the skin, and vitamin A and C help to soften and smooth.
Mix pumpkin guts with some raw sugar to create an all natural and effective body scrub that your skin will thank you for.
5. Make Stock
Stock is an essential ingredient in any good cook's fridge or freezer. As you probably know, homemade is always best.
Put your pumpkin guts straight into a pot on the stove with some water and your favorite stock ingredients and simmer away!
6. Roast Them
This is hands down the most popular way to repurpose pumpkin guts — and for good reason.
Roasting pumpkin seeds is easy and delicious. Just separate them from the guts, put on a baking sheet and roast until the seeds are golden brown.
7. Make Pumpkin Butter
If you thought that pumpkin butter was something you could only buy are a specialty store, then you are in for a surprise.
Turns out, the main ingredient to make delicious pumpkin butter is, you guessed it, pumpkin guts.
Find an awesome recipe you can make at home by clicking here.
8. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is good for everything from pie filling to enjoying by itself. The best part is that it's impossibly easy to make.
Just scoop out the guts and flesh from the pumpkin, and roast away. You're just a few minutes away from having your very own puree.
9. Pumpkin Spiced Oatmeal
You've heard of a pumpkin spiced latte, but pumpkin spiced oatmeal is about to become your next favorite way to spice up with pumpkin.
Just stir some pumpkin guts into your oatmeal as you're making it, and see just how enjoyable it is. Don't forget the brown sugar!
10. Grow More Pumpkins
Last but not least, you can always use the seeds in pumpkin guts to give back to the earth and make even more pumpkins!
Not only will you have your own adorable pumpkin patch, but you'll also have more pumpkin guts to put to good use!
Make sure to SHARE these hacks with all your pumpkin loving friends!
