Throughout the months of September, October and November, pumpkins take center stage in decorating and baking. Many recipes that are in magazines and other articles call for fresh or pureed pumpkin. However, these same recipes do not explain how to prepare the meat of a fresh pumpkin in such a manner. While it is easy to buy canned pumpkin, the taste of fresh pureed pumpkin is deeper and more robust. Most recipes will call for canned pumpkin, but fresh pumpkin can be easily substituted at a one for one ratio. The only change needed to make to the recipe is to use a little less liquid for pies. Also remember that fresh pumpkin is a lighter color. If the darker color is desired, add a little food coloring.
There are four different methods that can be used to prepare fresh pumpkin. Pumpkin puree can be made by microwaving, baking, boiling or steaming. Depending on the method chosen, it can be a time consuming task. However, the taste and results for each method are the same.
While the smaller pumpkins have a better taste and consistency when pureed, any pumpkin can be prepared with these methods. Just remember, the meat of a smaller pumpkin is best used in pies, muffins and breads, while the meat of the larger pumpkins can be used very well in soups and stews.
Important Safety Tip
Under no circumstances, cook or eat a carved Halloween pumpkin as the carved surfaces can breed bacteria.
Microwave Method
This method is the fastest and takes only 25 minutes. It also is able to be done in any type of kitchen.
- Rinse the pumpkin and dry with paper towel.
- Place the pumpkin in the microwave oven and cook on high for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and pierce the pumpkin skin all over the pumpkin with a fork.
- Microwave on high from another two to four minutes. The pumpkin should not be too soft. Each microwave cooks at a different temperature, so adjust the time as needed.
- Remove the pumpkin from the oven and wrap completely with foil.
- Let the pumpkin stand for five minutes.
- Slice the pumpkin open and remove the seeds.
- Scrape out the pulp.
- Puree the pumpkin in a food processor or blender or mash by hand.
This method takes about 25 minutes.
Baking Method
Baking fresh pumpkin is the oldest method of preparing the flesh and takes the longest, but some say the flavor is locked in best.
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
- Rinse the pumpkin under cold water. Ensure all dirt or debris is removed from the outside and wipe dry with paper towels.
- Cut the pumpkin in half. Remove the pulp and the seeds by scraping the insides with a metal spoon. Place the seeds in a colander and reserve for roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Coat the surface of the pumpkin with canola oil and put the two halves cut side down in a roasting pan or a casserole dish. Add 1 ½ cups of water.
- Cook for about 90 minutes or until the pumpkin flesh is tender enough to pierce with a knife.
- Remove the pumpkin halves from the pan and place on a flat surface to cool.
- When the pumpkin is cool, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and puree in a food processor, blender or mash by hand.
- Put the puree in a sieve that has been lined with a paper-towel and let drain over a deep bowl. Stir the puree occasionally until it is thick. This will take between one and two hours. Do not let the cooked pumpkin sit more than two hours.
Boiling Method
This method adds water to the flesh but not as much as roasting. If the flesh seems to have absorbed a lot of water, be sure to drain it before freezing.
- Bring a large pot of water that has been lightly salted to a boil.
- While the water is coming to a boil, rinse the pumpkin and dry with a towel.
- Cut the pumpkin in half. Remove the seeds and pulp with a metal spoon.
- Cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and peel the skin off.
- Add to the boiling water and cook for 25 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
- Puree the pumpkin in a food processor, blender or by mashing by hand.
Steaming Method
Many believe that steaming is the healthiest method to prepare the flesh of the pumpkin and does not destroy many of the nutrients and vitamins.
- Boil water in a large pot. Place a vegetable steamer or metal colander over the pot.
- Rinse the pumpkin and dry with a towel.
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and pulp with a metal spoon.
- Cut the pumpkin into smaller sized pieces and remove the peel.
- Place the pieces in a steamer or colander and steam for 50 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
- Puree the pumpkin in a food processor, blender or mash by hand.
How to Preserve Pumpkin Puree
Each pound of fresh pumpkin will yield one cup of pureed pumpkin. Frozen pumpkin can be stored in a freezer for up to one year. Most recipes call for two cups of pureed pumpkin.
- Let the pumpkin cool completely.
- Measure the pureed pumpkin into two cup portions and place either in hard plastic freezer containers or in heavy duty plastic freezer bags.
- Label the container, put the date on it and place in the freezer.
Other Articles that use Pumpkin:
For more articles about pumpkin, check these out.
The Pumpkin: Its History, Nutrition and Selection
Pumpkin Recipes with an Italian Flair
Pumpkin Seeds: a Seasonal Healthy Snack
Pumpkin Cocktails for Halloween and Thanksgiving
Katrina Cobb - Katrina Cobb has travelled widely around the world and has enjoyed trying new things and seeing new places. Despite all of this, she ...
