What Can You Do With The Inside Of A Pumpkin

The inside of a pumpkin can be used for far more than just carving and tossing.
 
Most people scoop out the insides of a pumpkin and throw them straight into the trash without a second thought.
 
But once you realize what the inside of a pumpkin can actually do, you’ll never look at those stringy guts and seeds the same way again.
 
From roasting the seeds to turning the flesh into soups, pies, and purees, there’s a whole world of uses hiding inside that orange shell.
 
In this post, we’ll cover what you can do with the inside of a pumpkin, including the seeds, the stringy pulp, and the flesh itself.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

What Can You Do With the Inside of a Pumpkin?

You can do a lot with the inside of a pumpkin, and honestly, it’s a shame more people don’t use it.
 
The insides break down into two main parts: the seeds and the stringy pulp attached to the flesh.
 
Each part has its own set of uses, and both are worth saving.
 

1. Roast the Pumpkin Seeds

The seeds are probably the most popular part of the inside of a pumpkin, and for good reason.
 
They’re packed with nutrients and make a crunchy, healthy snack.
 
Just rinse them, toss them in olive oil and salt, and spread them on a baking sheet.
 
Roast them at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
 
You can season them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a little cinnamon if you’re feeling sweet.
 

2. Turn the Pulp Into Pumpkin Puree

The stringy pulp and flesh attached to it can be cooked down into homemade pumpkin puree.
 
Steam or boil the pulp until it’s soft, then blend it until smooth.
 
You can use the puree for pies, muffins, soups, or even smoothies.
 
It’s a great way to use the inside of a pumpkin without wasting a single bit.
 

3. Make Pumpkin Stock

Here’s one most people never think of: pumpkin stock.
 
Simmer the stringy insides with onion, garlic, and herbs in a pot of water for about an hour.
 
Strain it, and you’ve got a flavorful base for soups and stews.
 
The inside of a pumpkin carries a surprising amount of flavor that’s perfect for this.
 

Creative Uses For Pumpkin Insides

Beyond the kitchen, the inside of a pumpkin has plenty of creative uses too.
 

1. Compost the Scraps

Any leftover pulp you don’t cook with can go straight into your compost bin.
 
Pumpkin insides break down quickly and add nutrients to your soil.
 
It’s an easy way to keep the inside of a pumpkin out of the trash.
 

2. Feed the Birds and Wildlife

If you don’t compost, you can leave pumpkin seeds and pulp out for birds and squirrels.
 
Just make sure it’s plain and free of seasonings, oil, or salt.
 

3. Use the Pulp for a Face Mask

Pumpkin pulp is loaded with vitamins and enzymes that are great for your skin.
 
Mix a spoonful of pureed pumpkin with honey and a little yogurt for a quick DIY face mask.
 
It’s a fun, natural way to put the inside of a pumpkin to work.
 

How to Prep the Inside of a Pumpkin

Before you use the inside of a pumpkin, you’ve got to prep it properly.
 

1. Scoop and Separate

Use a sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop to pull out the seeds and pulp.
 
Separate the seeds from the stringy bits so you can handle each one differently.
 

2. Rinse the Seeds Well

Run the seeds under cold water and pick out any leftover pulp.
 
Pat them dry before roasting so they crisp up nicely.
 

3. Cook the Pulp Promptly

The pulp doesn’t last long, so use it within a day or two, or freeze it for later.
 
That way nothing from the inside of a pumpkin goes to waste.
 

So, What Can You Do With the Inside of a Pumpkin?

You can do plenty with the inside of a pumpkin.
 
Roast the seeds for snacking, puree the pulp for baking, simmer it into stock, or compost whatever’s left.
 
The inside of a pumpkin is far more useful than most people realize, and once you start using it, you’ll wonder why you ever tossed it.
 
Hope this post has helped you see just how much you can do with the inside of a pumpkin.