10 Uses for Your Pumpkin

9. Brew up some pumpkin beer

Tip #9: Raise your glasses to a tasty sip of pumpkin beer. Photo: Flickr/mfajardo

Pumpkin beer is steadily gaining popularity as a fall pub classic. But why settle for a mass-produced pint when you can make your own using Halloween pumpkins? If this is your first time brewing beer, keep in mind that the process may take a little patience. But a detailed tutorial like this one from The Brew Sitewill help you do it right.

The guys at The Brew Site know their beer. So, you can rest assured that this brew is spot-on. The best part of this recipe? It only needs 3 weeks to ferment – meaning you can spend more time sipping and less time waiting.

10. Use that skin

The outer skin of your pumpkin can be very tricky to reuse. While most of us just toss these leftovers in the compost pile, that bright-orange skin is actually a common component in many Indian and Asian dishes. So, why not give it a try in your own kitchen?

Check out this recipe for a tasty red bean and pumpkin skin curry, courtesy of Salkkaaram.com. Please keep in mind that if you’re going to eat your pumpkin skin, it’s best to stick with organic pumpkins to ensure no pesticides end up on your dinner plate.

If you purchased your gourds from a local pumpkin patch, give them a call and ask whether or not they use chemicals or pesticides. Some small farms avoid using chemicals on their crops but don’t have the cash to become certified organic. So, asking is usually your best bet.