Pumpkins

I agree, it does seem wasteful. However, I thought the large carving pumpkins were not as nice to eat? Am I mistaken?

I’ve got no energy to complain at this 62Granny, one tradition - although it used to be turnips - that’s lasted and gives pleasure.
I’d rather folk focus on the other tons of wasted, easily edible food wasted every day in the UK.

We do pumpkin carving with our dgc every year and the pumpkin we scoop out we give to our neighbour who then makes gorgeous pumpkin soup for us all

I don't think the very big ones are any good for human consumption as they are grown for decoration and if you scrape/ cut out all the flesh they are no good as lanterns.

We take the DGSs to a farm outside Hexham - rides, playground and thousands of pumpkins. Admission isn’t cheap and any pumpkins we take have to be paid for, but thousands must be left to rot on the land or go to animal feed.

I feel it’s probably a crop just grown for profit, easily replaced - a bit like Christmas trees.

In our village a farmer requests we take our unwanted pumpkins to feed his pigs!

Unlike our American cousins we Brits aren't into eating that much pumpkin .
I have made and like pumpkin pie and soup
But we love Hallowe'en (as they do).
I just think that it's a bit of fun for the children.
Even my C of E church is having an All Soul's party .

Is it more wasteful than Christmas trees? Both are grow as a single use product we do not eat.

I suppose it’s the same as growing flowers for sale really. They are used for decorative purposes only too.

I'd rather have pumpkins for decoration than plastic stuff. At least they will rot down if unused.
Disclaimer: I have plastic stuff and a pumpkin!

Please DO NOT leave pumpkins out for wildlife. The Forestry Commission tells us that pumpkins are not a natural food for our British wildlife and can be harmful. especially for hedgehogs which are already in decline. 62Granny please do not tell people otherwise.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin, scoop out inner flesh, roast seeds
chopped onion, saute
grated garlic, saute
coconut milk
cumin
fenugreek
salt
pepper

Cook, blend. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds.

DH made a delicious pumpkin pie today.

Birds get the seeds. The skins go in the compost heap. Nothing wasted.