Transcript How to Make Pumpkin Puree

How to Make Pumpkin Puree
Durst Organic Growers
Selecting and storing fresh Pumpkin
For cooking, select the small 'pie' types, such as
Sugar Pie, or Kabocha varieties
Try to select firm, round pumpkins that feel heavy
for their size. Avoid buying a pumpkin with
blemishes or soft spots. A good selection should
have a 2- to 3-inch stem intact.
Fresh pumpkins can be stored for up to 2 months in
a cool, dry dark place.
The ideal temperature range for storage is 55 to 59F.
Pumpkins should not be stored below 50F and
should not be refrigerated.
Cooking Methods
Winter Squash & Pumpkin can be cooked
several different ways. Methods can
include, roasting, boiling, and
microwave. To roast in the oven set the
temperature to 350°F.
Preparing the Pumpkin
Choose a 3 to 4 pound pumpkin for preparing puree.
Rinse the pumpkin under cold water to remove any dirt
or debris from the outside of the pumpkin; wipe dry
with a cloth or paper towel.
Weights & Measures
1-3/4 cups of puree is equal to 1 (15-oz.) can of solid pack pumpkin puree.
Three pounds of fresh pumpkin will yield about 3 cups mashed cooked
pumpkin. You can use Fresh Pumpkin Puree in recipes or substitute it for
the same amount in any recipe calling for solid pack canned pumpkin.
Roasting Pumpkin
Cut the pumpkin in half and
scoop out the seeds and
remove the fibers. Preheat the
oven to 350 degrees and then
place the pumpkin, with the
cut side down, on a baking
sheet. Bake uncovered for
about 1 hour. Use a fork to test
the pumpkin and when the
pumpkin feels tender, it is
done. Let the pumpkin cool
completely.
Microwave Method
An easy way to cook fresh pumpkin is in the
microwave. Cut the pumpkin in half, discarding the
stringy insides. Microwave on high power for seven
minutes per pound, turning pieces every few
minutes to promote even cooking. Let the pumpkin
cool completely.
Boiling
Cut the pumpkin in half,
discarding the stringy insides.
Peel the pumpkin and cut it into
chunks. Place in a saucepan and
cover with water. Bring to a boil
and cook until the pumpkin
chunks are tender. Drain and let
the chunks cool completely.
Making the Puree
Drain off the liquid and scoop
the pulp. Place the pulp in a
food processor or blender and
process until smooth. You could
also mash the pulp with a
potato masher. Place the pulp in
a strainer and allow the liquid to
drain off for up to 1 hour. When
the pulp is as thick as canned
pumpkin, it is done draining.
Fresh Pumpkin Puree
You can refrigerate your fresh
pumpkin puree for up to
three days, or store it in the
freezer up to six months,
enabling you to enjoy fall
pumpkins for months to
come.
How To Preserve Pumpkin Puree...
Homemade pumpkin puree freezes
beautifully for later use.
To freeze:
1.Allow prepared puree to cool completely.
2. Measure puree into 1-3/4 cup portions
and place in clean ridged freezer containers
(leaving 1/2-inch headspace).
3. Label and date. Freeze for up to one year.
Now What will we do with
the seeds…?