Compost, cooking and chucking are all preferable options for washed-up jack-oB次元官网网址�-lanterns.
Canada produces more than 80,000 metric tonnes of pumpkins annually B次元官网网址� 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 B次元官网网址� 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 B次元官网网址� 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. Put your jack-o-lanterns in your municipal green waste bin or drop them off at the Hartland Landfill green waste transfer bin.
Anyone who just wants to smash a pumpkin can likely find local options for that as well.
In Greater Victoria residents get the satisfying crunch of seeing a jack-oB次元官网网址�-lantern shatter, while disposing of the used gourds in a way that doesnB次元官网网址檛 attract wildlife. Colwood hosts its inaugural community pumpkin smash B次元官网网址� with the option to smash, blast, crush, roll or drop the unwanted jack-oB次元官网网址�-lanterns. Hosted by the Sooke-based organization Wild Wise, the Colwood Pumpkin Smash is at the municipal hall on Nov. 2 from noon to 2 p.m. Donations to the Goldstream Food Bank are encouraged.
Saanich firefighters will drop the aging gourds from a 100-foot ladder during the Pumpkin Smash Bash at the Tillicum Centre on Saturday (Nov. 2) from noon to 2 p.m. The event is by donation to the Saanich Fire Charitable Foundation.
Likewise, Langford firefighters will demolish pumpkins to raise money for the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund B次元官网网址� which provides support and enhances care for burn survivors B次元官网网址� in the Westshore Town Centre Cineplex parking lot on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If a pumpkin is still safe for consumption B次元官网网址� soup, pies and dog treats are all on the table.
Pinterest trends data shows a huge surge in searches for pumpkin-themed recipes across Canada this time of year, according to ChefB次元官网网址檚 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:
B次元官网网址� 2 cups all-purpose flour
B次元官网网址� 1/3 cup brown sugar
B次元官网网址� 1 tbsp baking powder
B次元官网网址� 1 tsp pumpkin spice
B次元官网网址� 1/2 tsp salt
B次元官网网址� 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter (cubed)
B次元官网网址� 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
B次元官网网址� 1/3 cup heavy cream
B次元官网网址� 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
B次元官网网址� 1 cup powdered sugar
B次元官网网址� 2 tbsp milk
B次元官网网址� 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice (optional)
Instructions:
B次元官网网址� Preheat the oven to 400掳F (200掳C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
B次元官网网址� In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt.
B次元官网网址� Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
B次元官网网址� In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
B次元官网网址� 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.
B次元官网网址� Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
B次元官网网址� For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients:
B次元官网网址� 240 ml all-purpose flour
B次元官网网址� 60 grams sugar
B次元官网网址� 5 grams baking powder
B次元官网网址� 2.5 grams bicarbonate of soda
B次元官网网址� 2.5 grams salt
B次元官网网址� 5 grams ground cinnamon
B次元官网网址� 2.5 grams ground nutmeg
B次元官网网址� 240 ml pumpkin puree
B次元官网网址� 1 large egg
B次元官网网址� 240 ml buttermilk
B次元官网网址� 30 ml melted butter
B次元官网网址� Chopped pecans (for topping)
B次元官网网址� Maple syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions:
B次元官网网址� In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
B次元官网网址� In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
B次元官网网址� Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
B次元官网网址� Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
B次元官网网址� 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.
B次元官网网址� Serve your pumpkin pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chocolate.