7 Things You Can Do With a Pumpkin Besides Carve It!

Halloween is almost here and that means pumpkin picking time is approaching. But did you know that besides carving a scary jack-o-lantern there is a myriad of things that you can do with a pumpkin. Here are just a few selections, but you can let your imagination soar when it comes to this versatile seasonal delight.

1. Pumpkin Face Mask

This is not the kind of mask to go trick-or-treating with, but it probably would scare the neighbor kids. Pumpkin is chock full of vitamins like A and D, zinc, and antioxidants. This will help smooth out your skin and could prevent age spots and wrinkles. It’s really easy to make. Here is a recipe from Style Craze: Mix together 2 tablespoons of fresh pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon raw honey, 1 egg and 3 drops of frankincense essential oil. Beat the egg and then add the rest of the ingredients. Then apply to your clean skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes for a healthier looking you.

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2. Cinnamon Pumpkin Candles

You can make the most adorable candles inside of real mini pumpkins. Here’s the scoop from Hello Glow. All you need are mini pumpkins, soy wax flakes, candle wicks, cinnamon stick, glue, tin foil, and pencils. Cut off the tops of the mini pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. Attach the wicks to the bottom of the pumpkin using a piece of foil and gluing it in place. Next, roll the wick around a pencil to hold it up. Melt the wax in a double boiler and pour into the pumpkin. Crush up cinnamon sticks  and add to the wax to make an amazing scented candle. Let the candles sit for a few hours so that the wax properly hardens.

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3. Pumpkin Bird Feeder

This is so easy to make and so good for our feathered friends according to Hoosier Homemade. Just cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the innards. Fill the bottom half with bird seed and hang from a sturdy tree branch.

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4. Pumpkin Seed Art

Here’s something you can do after you carve your pumpkin. Roast the pumpkin seeds in your oven with salt and any other seasoning you like from sweet to spicy. Save some to snack on and use the rest for homemade crafts. You can even use food coloring to dye the seeds different colors.

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5. Thanksgiving Table Decoration

Pumpkins are also useful for more than just making pumpkin pies out of. Put an assortment of mini pumpkins – they come in orange, green striped, and white – in a basket as natural Thanksgiving table decoration. You can also write names on the pumpkins with sharpies and use as a place card.

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6. Grow New Pumpkins

Save uncooked pumpkin seeds in a cool dry place and use them to plant pumpkins in your garden next spring.

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7. Eat It

Of course, you can always eat pumpkin. This superfood is filled with nutrients and taste. Pumpkin contains a large amount of vitamins A, C, E, Iron, and Folate. It can strengthen your immune system, help regulate your blood pressure, lower your glucose levels and so much more. Bake a pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread, cook pumpkin soup, use it in a stew, mash it like a potato, or make pumpkin drinks. Whatever you do, it will taste amazing.

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