How to Skin a Pumpkin

Pies, breads and soups flavored with fresh pumpkin are delicious additions to any fall menu. Few people tackle these recipes with fresh pumpkin, though, because it's not an easy fruit with which to work. Anyone who's carved a jack-o-lantern knows the skin of a pumpkin is tough. However, this technique for skinning a pumpkin makes it an easy first step to any pumpkin recipe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a pie pumpkin. Pie pumpkins are a smaller, meatier version of this fruit. They are easier to handle in the kitchen, and they yield more "meat."

2. Wash the outside of the pumpkin. Pumpkins grow on vines on the ground where they pick up dirt, especially when it rains. Even if the pumpkin appears clean when you buy it, it was probably picked by hands you know nothing about.

3. Cut the pumpkin into quarters. Using a sharp cleaver, hack the pumpkin in half and then in half again. Don't be afraid to whack the pumpkin on the floor if the cleaver gets stuck in it. Pumpkins are hard and can stand a lot of abuse without bruising.

4. Scoop out the seeds. Use a heavy metal spoon to scrape out the inside of the pumpkin including all the strings.

5. Arrange pumpkin pieces face down in a casserole dish and cover. Microwave the pumpkin for 15 minutes. The cover will allow steam to build up and cook the pumpkin without drying it out. When you can easily poke a fork through the skin, the pumpkin is done.

6. Let the pumpkin cool. Only fools rush in, and they get burned every time. Take the cover off and let the pumpkin sit until you can comfortably handle it.

7. Hold the shell in one hand and use a large spoon to scoop the pumpkin out into a bowl. The microwave softened the pumpkin and hardened its shell, so it should slide out easily in one piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be careful when using a cleaver.
• If the pumpkin doesn't come out of its shell easily, return it to microwave for three minutes with the cover on and try it again. Remember to cool the pumpkin again before touching it.
• Yanking the pumpkin strings out of the pumpkin won't work. You must scrape it out from its roots.
• Don't put the pumpkin strings in the garbage disposal.
• Don't touch the microwaved pumpkin until it has cooled.

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[maryanne09]

on 3/5/2009 Great article! 5*'s

[andyel]

on 9/30/2008 thx for nice information

[kohuether]

on 9/30/2008 I absolutely love doing this when pumpkin is in season - I love making pumpkin seeds and cream of pumpkin soup especially! But I often buy the pumpkin and then just throwing it on the stoop because it seems so complicated taking the thing apart. Your advice is much appreciated!

[thedogshrink]

on 9/30/2008 Really a great, easy to follow instruction!

[psaysofavril]

on 9/30/2008 Great tips for an autumn project!