Pumpkin treats for a green Halloween


29 October 2007 08:47

You can still be green at Halloween.

That was the message today as people were urged to make sure they are still thinking about how they can help our environment when enjoying the spooky festivities.

It is estimated that more than one million pumpkins are now sold in the UK each year and carved into lanterns.

But after Wednesday's festivities, most of these will go straight in the bin and end up being sent to landfill.

To stop that happening, Norfolk County Council has sent out an appeal for people to use their discarded pumpkins to create some extra treats both before and after Halloween.

Pumpkins are surprisingly versatile and people are being encouraged to get in their kitchens and come up with creative cookery to transform them into soup, cakes, pies and even lasagne.

The shell of the pumpkin, which is inedible, can also be transformed into compost and, by adding a few autumn leaves, can help give your bin the right mix.

Ian Monson, the county council's cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “When pumpkins are sent to landfill, they break down without any oxygen and create methane - a potent greenhouse gas.

“By having a go at using the pumpkin for cooking, much of the waste is avoided. Composting the rest of the pumpkin at home as well is more good news for the environment, as it creates a useful compost to feed your garden.”

Green county councillor Andrew Boswell said he loves pumpkin soup and also eats the vegetable as a casserole with roasted potatoes and parsnips. He said: “Most years we have about two organic pumpkins and we freeze the flesh outwards. It can last you the whole winter. Pumpkin soup is delicious and very nutritious. I would urge people to make use of their pumpkins after Halloween.”