Pumpkin is something that really shouldn't be canned. If you search online you might be able to find some ways to do it but canning pumpkin just isn't safe because of the bacteria it produces. So the safe alternative to canning pumpkin is freezing it! It's pretty easy, there are only a few steps.
What you need:
- Pumpkins
- Food Processor
- Spoon
- Cookie Sheet
- Freezer Bags
I love sugar baby pumpkins. They've always grown really well for me. This year I had 7 that matured before it froze.
Wash off the pumpkins. You don't need to do a heavy scrubbing, just get the dirt off the outsides.
Cut the pumpkins in half.
Scoop out the "guts" of each pumpkin. make sure you don't scoop out any of the meat, just clean out the stringy stuff and the seeds.
*Note: I will make another post about drying pumpkin seeds so this post isn't so picture heavy.
Put the cleaned out halves of the pumpkin in the oven at about 375F.
Cook them until the pass the "Potato doneness test" poke the meat with a fork and wait until it feels like a cooked potato.
A fully cooked pumpkin should clean out really easily. You can almost peel the skin right off. Put all the meat into a bowl.
Stick the meat in a food processor and add a little water. Process it in small batches and it will work better. The water will help the pumpkin puree better. The consistency should be like baby food.
Put about 2 cups of pumpkin in each freezer bag and label. 2 cups should be close to one can of store boughten pumpkin so you can easily use each bag in exchange for a can in a recipe. Flatten out each bag of pumpkin as you lay it in the freezer so it freezes flat.
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Okay I will say it again you are so smartttttttttt !!!!!
You also must have time to do these things without being interupted by others, My hat is off to you, you teach me so much.
Thanks Bonnie
I do this every year and using this to make pumpkin pies is soooo much tastier than the store-bought stuff. I use the same freezer bag method for pie sized servings but I also make a few quart sized bags with 1/2 cup each in them so I can use it for things like making a batch of pumpkin whoopie cookies, pumpkin pancakes, or my favorite is to mix it with some cool whip and some spices for a yummy and healthy dip!