Don't ditch pumpkins in your local park, B.C., make soup instead

Compost, cooking and chucking are all preferable options for washed-up jack-o91裸聊视频�-lanterns.

Canada produces more than 80,000 metric tonnes of pumpkins annually 91裸聊视频� most carved, used for decoration and thrown away, according to Statistics Canada.

Tossing them roadside or even on a wooded path introduces non-native species to wildlife and forested areas, and releases methane gas when left to sit in the landfill. There are several responsible ways to reduce post-Halloween pumpkin waste 91裸聊视频� once any wax, glitter, or paint is removed.

Ditching them roadside provides a short-term attraction, but puts wildlife at risk, says the Compost Education Centre in Victoria, which predictably prefers the nutrient-rich rotting option 91裸聊视频� either in a traditional pile or a

The centre suggests smashing or cutting the gourd to bits to help it decompose faster. Then cover the pumpkin pieces with loose leaves or other brown materials such as straw, cardboard, or paper to balance the moisture and carbon levels in the compost and prevent smells and pests, and let nature do its magic.

Over the next weeks to months, pumpkin bits will gradually break down into humus, a dark and crumbly substance that enriches the soil.

Other options include reaching out to a community garden, farm, or wildlife sanctuary to see if they want it. For those communities that provide the service, but your jack-o-lanterns in your municipal green waste bin or drop them off at a green waste transfer bin.

Anyone who just wants to smash a pumpkin may be able to find local options for that as well, often to benefit a charity.

In Greater Victoria, for exsample, residents get the satisfying crunch of seeing a jack-o91裸聊视频�-lantern shatter, while disposing of the used gourds in a way that doesn91裸聊视频檛 attract wildlife. Colwood hosts its inaugural community pumpkin smash 91裸聊视频� with the option to smash, blast, crush, roll or drop the unwanted jack-o91裸聊视频�-lanterns. Saanich firefighters will drop the aging gourds from a 100-foot ladder.

If a pumpkin is still safe for consumption 91裸聊视频� soup, pies and dog treats are all on the table.

pumpkinpizza

Pinterest trends data shows a huge surge in searches for pumpkin-themed recipes across Canada this time of year, according to Chef91裸聊视频檚 Plate, a meal subscription box business that sought to explore the stats on food waste. The average Canadian household discards about $2,000 worth of food annually, the company found.

Notable Pinterest search increases include pumpkin bread and squash soup up by 200 per cent, butternut squash soaring by 300 per cent, and pumpkin muffins, pumpkin recipes, pumpkin loaf, and pumpkin scones each rising by 100 per cent, while pumpkin spice cookies saw an 80 per cent boost.

In a bid to help stave off that waste, Chefs Plate shared some creative ways to use left over pumpkins as an ingredient in pancakes, scones, hummus, pizza and oatmeal.

Pumpkin Scones
Ingredients:

91裸聊视频� 2 cups all-purpose flour

91裸聊视频� 1/3 cup brown sugar

91裸聊视频� 1 tbsp baking powder

91裸聊视频� 1 tsp pumpkin spice

91裸聊视频� 1/2 tsp salt

91裸聊视频� 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter (cubed)

91裸聊视频� 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

91裸聊视频� 1/3 cup heavy cream

91裸聊视频� 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

91裸聊视频� 1 cup powdered sugar

91裸聊视频� 2 tbsp milk

91裸聊视频� 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice (optional)
Instructions:

91裸聊视频� Preheat the oven to 400掳F (200掳C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

91裸聊视频� In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt.

91裸聊视频� Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

91裸聊视频� In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

91裸聊视频� Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, gently knead, and shape it into a one-inch thick circle. Cut into eight wedges and place on the baking sheet.

91裸聊视频� Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

91裸聊视频� For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients:

91裸聊视频� 240 ml all-purpose flour

91裸聊视频� 60 grams sugar

91裸聊视频� 5 grams baking powder

91裸聊视频� 2.5 grams bicarbonate of soda

91裸聊视频� 2.5 grams salt

91裸聊视频� 5 grams ground cinnamon

91裸聊视频� 2.5 grams ground nutmeg

91裸聊视频� 240 ml pumpkin puree

91裸聊视频� 1 large egg

91裸聊视频� 240 ml buttermilk

91裸聊视频� 30 ml melted butter

91裸聊视频� Chopped pecans (for topping)

91裸聊视频� Maple syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions:

91裸聊视频� In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

91裸聊视频� In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.

91裸聊视频� Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

91裸聊视频� Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

91裸聊视频� Pour the pancake batter onto the pan, using the recommended amount for each. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

91裸聊视频� Serve your pumpkin pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chocolate.

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