How to Use an Entire Pumpkin: Seeds to Skin!

I didn’t necessarily start out seeking to make use of an entire pumpkin from seeds to skin, but the idea kicked in somewhere after starting to make Liv some baby food

homemade pumpkin baby food

 and midway through consuming a voluptuous glass of Malbec and a lot of gluten-free crackers. 🙂

Cranberry salad

And then this happened!

Pumpkin everything

The Pilot was flying Monday night, and usually when he flies late, after Liv’s asleep I’ll either call up girlfriends to come over, catch up on blog stuff and/or enjoy a date with the DVR. The other night, I decided to roast a pumpkin. Why not, eh?

Everyone in this house loves pumpkin.

Bella loves pumpkin

(Especially Bell)

The steps I followed are all in this post, but I wanted to share some recipes using each part of the pumpkin.

Waste no part of your pumpkin! Here's how to use an entire pumpkin, from seeds to skin! fitnessista.com

How to Use an Entire Pumpkin From Seeds to Skin

What to Make with Pumpkin Puree

Homemade pumpkin banana baby food

-Freeze some for baking/smoothies/oatmeal

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread batter

(the leftover batter in the bowl? I have no idea what happened to it….)

-Pumpkin hummus!

Pumpkin hummus

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Pumpkin Hummus

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 C pumpkin puree
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (reserve a bit of liquid)
  • 1/4 cup chickpea liquid
  • drizzle of olive oil (could use tahini)
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • sea salt to taste
  • hefty pinch of cayenne

Instructions

  1. Mix everything together!

Pumpkin Seed Recipes

Chili Lime Pumpkin Seeds

Honey Sriracha Pumpkin Seeds

roasted pumpkin and seeds

How to Use Pumpkin Skin

As I was peeling the skin away from the pumpkin, I felt wasteful just thinking about throwing it away. In Angela’s post, she suggests using it for compost, but alas, my Arizona cacti garden doesn’t seem to need it. I remembered my chef uncle telling me that in fancy schmancy restaurants, they dehydrate fish skin and use it as a garnish for soup. 

So, I tore the pumpkin skin into chip-size pieces, threw it in the dehydrator, and the results were amazing:

dehydrated pumpkin skin

-Pumpkin chips: Sprinkle liberally with paprika, sea salt and chili powder, then dehydrate overnight at 115*. Don’t have a dehydrator? No worries, just bake in the oven on a cookie sheet at the lowest setting with the door slightly ajar. 

dehydrated pumpkin skin

So there ya go! An entire pumpkin.. and lots of treats to enjoy this week.

xoxo

Gina

PS. Hate pumpkin? Here ya go. 🙂

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56 Comments

  1. Olivia on October 2, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    Pumpkin skin chips! What a fantastic idea. And answers my earlier question 🙂

  2. Jenn on October 2, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    sometimes…well….most times….you’re like a superhero of some insane power in the kitchen…..

  3. Julie @ Sweetly Balanced on October 2, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    Awesome use of pumpkin skins!! I never thought to do anything with those, but will definitely be trying this!! Thanks!! 🙂

  4. Cher @ Weddicted on October 2, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    Wow! Good for you. Never would I have thought to use the skin on a pumpkin!

  5. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles on October 2, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Love the idea of pumpkin hummus! Definitely on my list of pumpkin things I need to make. 🙂

  6. Sarabell on October 2, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    Yum, yum yum! I also saw another blogger’s pumpkin post today, pumpkin brownies! I have so many fun new pumpkin recipes to try out!

  7. Julie on October 2, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    I never thought to use the skins. That seems totally doable!

  8. Sarah on October 2, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    Dang, I like pumpkin, but you just took it to another level! Did you use a sugar pumpkin? I ask because I know that roasting a typical large “carving” pumpkin doesn’t give the best-tasting purée.

    In a high school cooking class we carved a pumpkin then roasted it for pumpkin pie, which tasted awful. I’ve since been told that for pie (and I assume any other edible pumpkin purée) you have to use a smaller sugar pumpkin for the best results.

  9. Alyssa on October 3, 2012 at 12:02 am

    Hey Gina, I’ve been thinking long and hard about the naturopath you used to help balance your hormones. I know it was “pricey” but that’s such a relative term. I know it’s kind of personal, but would you mind emailing me the approximate cost of your treatment just so I have an general idea of the cost? I’d really appreciate it.
    madamfrost@gmail.com

    Thank you so much!

    • Geetha on October 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm

      I was just going to ask you for the same favor. My email I’d is: sangeethaan@hotmail.com

      Thank you! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on October 4, 2012 at 12:10 am

      hey girl- will you email me so i don’t forget? fitnesissta at gmail

  10. Yaara on October 3, 2012 at 12:17 am

    That’s such a creative idea to use the entire pumpkin! I’m going to try those dried skins. I actually love the skins of stuff. And dried fish skin actually sounds really good. Kabocha skins are great too.

  11. Averie @ Averie Cooks on October 3, 2012 at 1:24 am

    You get the A++ for effort award on this one, Gina! Way to use the WHOLE thing. Love it! Those chips! I may need to dust off my dehyd for those!

  12. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com on October 3, 2012 at 2:06 am

    You are awesome!! Especially for using every part of the pumpkin 🙂

  13. jameil on October 3, 2012 at 2:32 am

    I love pumpkin but hate pumpkin pie. My pies must be sweet potato! Definitely bookmarking that recipe!

  14. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance on October 3, 2012 at 5:20 am

    Boy, And I thought I was the only one that liked the roasted squash skin! Great ideas–I need to save and use the seeds more.

  15. Janice on October 3, 2012 at 6:19 am

    Gina this post is simply inspiring! I see a pumpkin session in my near future. Thank you for great ideas!

  16. Anne on October 3, 2012 at 7:43 am

    I have never heard of roasting the skin, but it sounds like something I would love, I definately need to try it!

  17. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on October 3, 2012 at 8:06 am

    That’s such a cool idea to make chips out of the skin! I tend to always eat squash skin anyways – I’m too lazy to peel it off when I’m roasting up cubed squash! 😛

  18. Lea @ Greens and Coffee Beans on October 3, 2012 at 8:26 am

    So many fun recipes! I’ll definitely have to try some out! I love pumpkin and I’m so excited that it’s back in season!

  19. Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness on October 3, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Love this post! I can’t wait to try out those pumpkin chips! They look delicious!

  20. Brittany on October 3, 2012 at 8:44 am

    This is an awesome post Gina! I’ve roasted a whole pumpkin before but I can’t remember if I kept the skin or not. I’ll definitely be making pumpkin chips next time!!

  21. Natalie @ freshlifefindings on October 3, 2012 at 9:32 am

    This is such a great post! I love that you used the whole pumpkin for so many different recipes 🙂 thanks forvshring! I want to try the pumpkin chips!

  22. Maria on October 3, 2012 at 9:44 am

    I can’t wait to cook a pumpkin myself! Quick question…did you use one of those pumpkin pie pumpkins that are meant for cooking? or a large regular kind, like of the carving variety?

    Thanks!

    • Fitnessista on October 4, 2012 at 12:09 am

      i’m pretty sure it was a pie pumpkin- it was in with the regular organic produce

  23. Whit on October 3, 2012 at 9:53 am

    Ummm yep you really went for it here! LOVE it. I want those pumpkin seeds in my mouuufff.

  24. Rachel on October 3, 2012 at 11:03 am

    OOO I so need to try pumpkin hummus! That sounds delish!

  25. Bryan on October 3, 2012 at 11:28 am

    You can also make beer with it. I brew my own beer, my father and I brewed a spiced pumpkin ale a couple of weeks ago. We’re going to bottle it on friday. I’d be more than happy to share the recipe we used. cheers 🙂

  26. Abby on October 3, 2012 at 11:42 am

    Wow Gina! Very impressive. Great post!

  27. Kristen on October 3, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    So me and baby boy just got back from picking up some produce including a pumpkin!

    I told my hubby about this post and that I was planning on making some baby food and chips out of the pumpkin. He thought that was pretty cool. Then I had a thought to do the same thing with butternut squash (which I also bought) and that’s when he said,”Gina doesn’t know that she’s created a monster.” 🙂

    • Fitnessista on October 4, 2012 at 12:06 am

      buahahaha 🙂
      enjoy!!!

  28. CourtStar @ StarSystemz on October 3, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Incredible! I had no idea you could eat the skin! Thank you for sharing I always hated throwing away the skin as it made me feel wasteful. I love your posts with little Liv so darling! When my husband is away on business I do the same I just get creative in the kitchen and have girlfriends over to eat it all 🙂 Love and Shine CourtStar

  29. Patti @ This Starts Tonight on October 3, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    Hey Gina! Can you explain the treadmill stretches for today’s workout? Thank you!!!

    • Fitnessista on October 4, 2012 at 12:06 am

      added it to today’s post- hope you got in a good stretch!

  30. britt on October 3, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    love this!! and really wish i wasn’t just now finding out about your vegan pumpkin bread 😉 it sounds/looks amazing!!

  31. Life's a Bowl on October 3, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    Awesome post! I loveee pumpkin anything, especially in the fall 🙂 Growing up we always used to roast the seeds after we carved the pumpkin [for decoration] but I’ve never actually roasted a pumpkin or made my own puree… I totally wanna try!

  32. LindsayK on October 3, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    Really fantastic post!

  33. Emily on October 3, 2012 at 1:36 pm

    I’m so so so glad you posted this.. I have been looking for good instructions!

  34. joelle @ on a pink typewriter on October 3, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Love your photos today! Annnnd now I want some pumpkiny things! 🙂

  35. Josephine on October 3, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    MMmmmm get in my belly! Great job!

    A dehydrator is on my wish list now 🙂 If you are using the oven method how long do you leave it in for? And was this just a regular ‘ol pumpkin?

    • Fitnessista on October 4, 2012 at 12:04 am

      it wasn’t a decorative one- it was in the organic produce section at sprouts

  36. Zana on October 3, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Kerrygold makes herbed butter? I love their butter! The must put something in it for it to taste so good.

  37. Carly Thurman on October 3, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Great post! I love being able to use the whole thing of something, so I don’t seem so wasteful. Definitely going to have to try this over the weekend!

  38. Liz @ Southern Charm on October 3, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    That is awesome. Love the recipes fo pumpkin .. inside and out!

  39. Djuan Means on October 3, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    You went all out!! Though I’m a personal trainer, I usually don’t get overly creative with my meals. Last month, I tasked myself with coming up with interesting ways to use seasonal foods. This post is exactly what I needed to see! Chili lime pumpkin seeds on deck. My wife will be very proud!

  40. GiGi Eats Celebrities on October 3, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    Well you have officially motivated me to declare this SATURDAY = PUMPKIN DAY! I will buy two pumpkins and my friends and I will use the ENTIRE THING!! Oh boy! We will turn orange by day’s end! LOL!

  41. Tiffany @ She Loves Yoga on October 3, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Whoa! Intense pumpkin action going on here. Had no idea you could eat the skin! Will def try that… I always feel wasteful too.

  42. Jen Villa on October 3, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    I LOVE PUMPKIN!! My new goal is to make use of an entire pumpkin before the month is over. Yum. Pumpkin spice everything over here this time of year.

    I just read a blog about a pumpkin spiced protein after run shake. Sounds ah-mazing!

  43. Katie on October 3, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    You are ambitious!! That looks like a lot of fun, but a lot of work too. I love pumpkin everything, and I never thought of actually using the skin. What a great idea! I feel like this would be fun thing to do with a group of girl friends, thanks for the idea 🙂

  44. MaryBeth on October 3, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    Mmm.. That pumpkin hummus sounds de-lic-ious! Def gonna have to try that.

  45. MaryBeth on October 3, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    Ps ditto on the pumpkin chic chip bread!

  46. PennySue on October 4, 2012 at 3:12 am

    I read through all of your posts and didn’t find my answer..if I don’t have a dehydrator, how long do I keep the pumpkin chips in the oven (with the door ajar) and at what temp?
    Thank you! Love your ides…my whole family loves pumpkin ANYTHING!

  47. Alyssa Montes on November 15, 2012 at 6:42 pm

    I tried your pumpkin hummus and i was rather pleased with the outcome i did not expect it to taste as good as it was and i was able to use my left over pumpkin puree on something that was unique and delicious!
    Thanks for the recipe :]

  48. Herbivore Triathlete on November 17, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    I’ve been wanting to make pumpkin hummus, looks like a great recipe!

  49. BarbaraSmith on December 2, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    I have a friend that just baked me a pumpkin pie made from a real pumpkin. It was delicious; however, she did not remove the skin. She put the whole pumpkin (after she cooked it) into her blender and used the skin in the pie. Is this okay? Will the skin hurt me? It didn’t blend in well and you could see the small pieces in the pie. Maybe others have done this, too. Please reply.

  50. Fatima on April 24, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    Is there any other use of pumpkin skin?

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