So, great. We have these luscious looking pumpkins, but now what?
Please feel free to comment below, but this is what we have found works best for us at NorthEastSeed.
After the first light frost, gather up all your pumpkin. There are a few options for getting the pumpkins into manageable pieces.
Hand saw, reciprocating saw, or axe. While my weapon of choice is a single-bit axe, only use this method if you are comfortable with an axe. And of course, no animals or people in the vicinity!
After your pumpkin is in pieces, scrape out the seeds and pulp. Set these aside. The best way we have found to separate all that yummy pumpkin flesh from the rind is a stovetop pressure cooker. After 5'ish minutes, allow the pieces to cool slightly, then the flesh should slip right out of its skin.
Now . . . back to those seeds!
Rinse the seeds well to remove all the pulp. Place them single layer on a cookie sheet in a 350 oven for 10'ish minutes. You can add literally ANY flavor you want! Turmeric, salt, lime, yada, yada, yada.
Once the flesh has completely cooled, food process it well. Place in Ziploc style freezer bags for later use. Place the cooled seeds in snack bags.
**Tip** not sure why some people reserve pumpkin for October to January. Try your harvest any time of the year in your new favorite Pumpkin Cheesecake