BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Back in the day I remember my Granda turning a humble turnip into a lantern. The smell of that turnip burning from the inside out with a candle was something else — a smell that still sticks with me. But today, the pumpkin has stolen the show, becoming the very symbol of Halloween. Forget the turnip’s smoky smell and welcome the seasonal fragrance of pumpkin spice!
What you may ask have turnips, pumpkins, and Halloween to do with a financial article. Believe it or not there is a financial aspect to the lowly turnip and more recently the pumpkin. In recent years pumpkins have exploded in popularity. Last October, more that 40,000 people searched for “pumpkin,” and “pumpkin patch” rising to 513% — the highest in four years.
People are already planning their décor, costumes, and buying in the sweets, but there is one thing we might forget amid all this pumpkin-mania: waste.
For all the joy pumpkins bring, they also contribute to a huge amount of waste. After the carving is done, most of those seeds, pulp, and left over bits end up in the bin becoming a mouldy mess.
But fear not, John Girvan from Alliance Online Ireland has stepped up to share some quirky, fun, and easy ways to make sure no part of your pumpkin goes to waste this Halloween and save money.
Become your own Barista and make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte while saving money and the planet. Simply roast the leftover pumpkin seeds, skin, and pulp until soft, and blend into a smooth puree. Then add it to your latte for an authentic, sustainable pumpkin flavour.
Once the children have carved their masterpiece, why not turn the leftovers into something delicious – pumpkin soups, cakes, muffins, stews, pies — take your pick and this will help reduce food waste while cutting down on your household costs. The seeds; roast them with salt, pepper, or even a dash of cinnamon for a healthy pre-trick-or-treat snack.
If you are not up for pumpkin-flavoured meals or lattes, there is still a way to give your leftover pumpkin bits a second life — composting! “Pumpkin scraps make brilliant compost as they enrich the soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers,” explains John Girvan. Rather than sending “that organic goodness” to a landfill, spread it on the garden. You will feel good knowing you have done your bit to reduce food waste while helping the environment.
Lastly, if you are in the mood for a snack that is a little off the beaten path, try making pumpkin crisps. “Simply shave the pumpkin skins into bite-size pieces, toss them in olive oil, salt, and spices, and bake until crispy,” John Girvan suggests. It is a vegan, crunchy snack that is both nutritious and a clever way to use up every part of your pumpkin.
So, while Halloween would not be the same without the glow of the lantern grinning at people as they pass your house let us not forget that the pumpkin itself has a lot more to offer than simply good looks. And who knows, next year if we take a stand, turnips could make a comeback.
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