There is nothing better than homemade pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread, especially when using pumpkins from your own garden or greenhouse. Best of all, preparing and cooking pumpkins is surprisingly simple. Here is how to do it:

Recipe for cooking fresh pumpkin
1. Wash the exterior of the pumpkin.
2. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
3. Cut the pumpkin in half and clean out the inside. You can even roast the seeds or use them for next year’s crop!
4. Quarter the pumpkin and place into a large turkey roaster. Add about a half inch to an inch of water. Bake 20-30 min or until tender.
5. Allow the cooked pumpkin to cool completely.
6. Once completely cooled, peel off the rind. You may not even have to use a knife because the rind easily peels away from the meat.
7. Puree the pumpkin in a food processor or blender.
8. Drain the puree in a strainer removing as much water as you can.
9. Use the puree immediately or freeze the pumpkin in 2 cup measurements for future use. Most recipes call for 2 cups pumpkin.

Back to Main Greenhouse and Gardening Articles Directory