How to Freeze Pumpkin

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Pumpkin is an incredibly versatile ingredient that provides the foundation for a variety of tasty treats including cookies, pies, soups and more. Although it grows during the summer months, freezing fresh pumpkin is a great way to ensure you are able to make delicious pumpkin-based delights year-round! [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Freezing Pumpkin Chunks

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    Begin by sticking the tip of your knife into the top of the pumpkin, next to the stem. Push the knife down into the pumpkin and it will begin to split. Continue to move the knife down along the bottom of the pumpkin and all the way around, cutting the pumpkin in half. Then cut each half in half, creating fourths. [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Using a big spoon, scoop the flesh clean, removing the seeds and any fibrous strings. Throw away or set aside the seeds for roasting —roasted pumpkins seeds are another delicious and nutritious pumpkin-based treat! [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Place the pumpkin flesh-side up on a roasting pan, adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan. Cook the pumpkin about one hour for a standard-size pumpkin, 45 minutes for a medium pumpkin, 20-30 minutes for a small pumpkin. Check pumpkin with knife for doneness—it should slice without difficulty. [4]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Place the pumpkin in a microwaveable dish and add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover the pumpkin with plastic wrap, poking holes in the top so steam can escape. Cook for about 15 minutes on high for a standard-size pumpkin. [5]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Let it sit until it’s just cool enough to touch. Peel off the skin with a knife or your fingers. [6]
    • If the pumpkin is cooked thoroughly, the skin should fall off with little to no effort!
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Slice the pumpkin fourths up into smaller portions of about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in length. [7]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Be sure to pack them loosely in the bags so they don’t freeze together! Push as much air as possible out of the bags. If you know what pumpkin-based recipes you like to make, measure out portions of the specific amounts called for in those recipes for easier and quicker use in the future! [8]
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    Take a permanent marker and write the date you are freezing the pumpkin, as well as the pre-portioned amount contained in the bag (if applicable). Your pumpkin should keep in the freezer for at least 6-8 months. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Freezing Pumpkin Puree

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Once you’ve cooked your pumpkin and cut it up into chunks, you can make puree by blending the chunks using a food processor, blender, or immersion blender.
    • For pumpkin puree, use sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, as they are smaller than the jack-o-lantern varieties.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Push the air out and flatten the bags as much as possible before freezing to save space and allow for a quicker thaw down the road. Place the flattened bags in the freezer. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Spoon portions of the puree into muffin tins and even out the top. After they’ve frozen, you can transfer the puree portions into zip-top bags for long-term storage so your muffin tins aren’t unnecessarily occupied. [11]
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    Similarly to the muffin tin method, spoon portions into the tray and smooth out the tops. Then, you can transfer the cubes to bags to free up your ice cube tray. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Thawing Your Pumpkin

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    Refer to the recipe you’re making and cross-reference it with your labeled bags to determine the correct amount of pumpkin.
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    If you’re going to use your pumpkin within a few days, you can place it in the fridge to thaw.
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    If you’re going to use your pumpkin that day, you can leave it on the counter for a few hours to thaw.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Freeze Pumpkin
    If you need the pumpkin ASAP, you can run warm water over it (still in its bag) to expedite the thawing process.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/pumpkins
      2. ↑ https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/guide/how-to-chop-a-pumpkin/
      3. ↑ https://www.farmersalmanac.com/prepare-and-freeze-fresh-pumpkin-easily
      4. ↑ https://www.farmersalmanac.com/prepare-and-freeze-fresh-pumpkin-easily
      5. ↑ https://commonsensehome.com/cook-pumpkin-or-winter-squash/
      6. ↑ https://www.easyanddelish.com/peeling-pumpkin-easily/
      7. ↑ https://www.farmersalmanac.com/prepare-and-freeze-fresh-pumpkin-easily
      8. ↑ http://allrecipes.co.uk/how-to/193/how-to-freeze-pumpkin.aspx
      9. ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/fruits/fresh/how-long-does-pumpkin-last/
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-freeze-pumpkin-puree-263105
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-freeze-pumpkin-puree-263105
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-freeze-pumpkin-puree-263105

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