How to Can a Sugar Pumpkin
Sugar pumpkin, also known as pie pumpkin, is the best pumpkin for making baked goods such as pumpkin pie. Sugar pumpkins contain the most sugar of the pumpkin varieties and grow between 5 and 8 inches wide. The small size means you'll need at least two sugar pumpkins to fill the average size jar. Canning sugar pumpkin follows all the same rules as canning any other vegetable. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2-3 sugar pumpkins
- Dish soap
- Knife
- Spoon
- Oven
- Casserole dish
- Water
- Aluminum foil
- Cooling rack
- Jar
- Lid with seal
- Stove
- Pot
- Canner
- Jar lifter
Instructions
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1
Wash the exterior of the pumpkin with mild soap and water.
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2
Cut the sugar pumpkin in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. Keep the seeds to plant next year or to roast later.
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3
Put the pumpkins cut side down in a casserole dish with enough water to cover half of the pumpkin. Cover with aluminum foil. Roast for 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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4
Boil the jar and lid in a large pot of water to sterilize. Remove with canning tongs. You can also run the jar through the dishwasher.
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5
Remove the pumpkin from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool slightly. Meanwhile, bring a cup of water to a boil on the stove. Fill the canner with water, according to the canner's instructions.
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6
Slice the pumpkin into 1-inch chunks while still attached to the shell. Slide a spoon between the shell and the flesh to remove the chucks.
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7
Fill the jar with pumpkin, leaving an inch of headroom. Pour the hot water into the jar to cover the pumpkin.
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8
Screw on the lid and secure the seal. Insert the jars into the canner and follow the canner's instructions to close the canner. Generally, you will cook the pumpkin at 11 pounds of pressure when below 1,000 feet and 15 pounds of pressure above 1,000 feet. Pint-sized jars cook for 55 minutes while quart jars need 90 minutes.
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9
Turn off the canner, according to the canner's instructions. Let it cool completely. Remove the canned sugar pumpkin and store in a cool, dry place.
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Tips & Warnings
To use in pumpkin pie or other baked goods, drain the excess liquid and puree in a blender.
This method can be used to cook other varieties of pumpkin and squashes. Oven cooking time will vary. You can use a toothpick to determine if they are done. The flesh should be soft and squishy.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
