How to Freeze a Carved Pumpkin

Turn jack-o-lanterns into frozen pumpkin for use in future recipes.

Put your carved jack-o-lanterns to good use after Halloween is over by freezing them as ingredients for future pies, desserts, breads and soups. Preserve only carved pumpkins that are still healthy and fresh. Carved pumpkins that are only a day or two old are best. Freezing carved pumpkins will ensure you can provide delicious, pumpkin-flavored dishes for your family members to enjoy throughout the entire year.

Things You'll Need

• Carved pumpkin(s)
• Knife
• Tap water
• Pot
• Fork
• Colander
• Spoon
• Bowl
• Potato masher
• Plastic freezer bags
• Marker

Instructions

1. Cut your carved pumpkin in half and then quarter each half with a sharp knife. Cut out any burnt portions caused by candles and remove any remaining seeds or stringy pulp. Rinse each pumpkin piece with tap water and place in a pot.

2. Fill the pot with enough water to allow all pumpkin pieces to be submerged. Place the pot on an oven burner turned to medium heat. Let the pot sit until the water begins to boil. Allow the pumpkin to boil for 20 to 40 minutes or until it is tender. Check the pumpkin often by pushing a fork through a few pieces to determine if it is done.

3. Empty the pot into a colander and allow the water to drain. Leave the pumpkin to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrape the softened pumpkin flesh from the rind with a spoon and place in a bowl. Discard the rinds. Use the fork or potato masher to mash the pumpkin flesh.

4. Pour the mashed pumpkin into plastic freezer bags and seal. Label the bags with the date using a permanent marker. Place the bags into a freezer for storage. Store your pumpkin for up to six months. Allow the pumpkin to thaw for 24 hours before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use frozen pumpkin that is more than six months old.

• Do not freeze carved pumpkins that show signs of mold or rot.

References

• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Home Preserving Pumpkins
• Missouri Families: Pumpkin