---

Answers: My Pumpkin plants have produced 11 fruits. Way more than I can use at the momment. I've made a ton of soup but would like to keep the rest to use through the year. Do I have to cook it before freezing or just blanche it. Or do I just cut it up and freeze it raw?
Any help would be great.

Also, how do I preserve the seeds to grow plants again next year?

Thanx

---

You could do the following:

1. Cook them by either baking or steaming, mash them and store in smaller ziplog bags in the freezer for use in pies, cakes, bread etc.
2. Peel and cut them in big slices and freeze them for use in soups and other dishes.

Raw pumpkin slices when defrosted will become rather soft and mushy so it's best not to cook them at all.

As for preserving the seeds, simply dry them before storing.

---

To preserve the pumpkin, separate it from the gourd shell and then blanch it for three to four minutes. Cool in an ice bath, strain it and freeze in air tight bags or containers. Should keep for roughly four to six months depending on how much air gets into the container. If using a container, put saran wrap on the top prior to closing the lid.

To prepare seeds, simply remove the pulp and let them air dry. Once dry store in a cool dry place in an envelope. Mark the year you dried them and other information such as pumpkin type or seed brand on the envelope.

---

---

---