I love eating but I’m not really that type who likes to bake or prepare food. And pumpkin preserves are just my favorite. They say canned pumpkins, even the Libby’s brand, are not really 100% pumpkin, but I buy them anyway and keep lots of it in the pantry. Can I put canned pumpkins in the freezer?
Quick Answer
I think we just have something in common, because I love to eat, too! Canned pumpkins are really the best because you can just eat pumpkins in an instant.
People store canned pumpkin in the pantry or in room temperature because it is processed and packaged in such a way as to extend its shelf life. Canned pumpkins last up to one or two years, depending on the expiry date indicated. But you can definitely freeze the leftover from opened canned pumpkins.
Can You Freeze Canned Pumpkin?
Canned pumpkin maintains its freshness for up to 24 months, probably longer than the quality maintained when you freeze regular pumpkin. On the other hand, the freshness of a frozen raw pumpkin basically lasts up to 12 months.
If you are to preserve the leftover from the pumpkin, you should never freeze or refrigerate with the metal can. Put it in a glass with a heavy-duty lid or an airproof container.
There’s no danger if you freeze an entire can of unopened pumpkin. But freezing is not really necessary for preservation purposes.
In fact, it is dangerous to eat canned food if you thaw it and the seam was broken. Pumpkin is a low-acid food, and if this happens with a canned pumpkin, just throw it out.
You may refrigerate the leftover from a canned pumpkin but you have to consume it immediately within four to five days. Some of the liquid may dislodge from the flesh but you may just stir it right back up.
How to Preserve Canned Pumpkin
An unopened canned pumpkin may last indefinitely if you store it in a stable temperature of zero degrees and below. But its quality and freshness may not be the same after one or two years of freezing.
- Scoop out the pumpkin from the can
- Place the pumpkin cubes in one layer or the puree into a Ziplock freezer bag
- You can also use a rigid container especially if it is in chunky form
- Leave a room of about a half-inch headspace in the container
- You can also contour the puree by putting it into muffin tins or cupcake cups before packing
- Try to press the freezer bags in the sides to let the air out
- Write the expiry date in the freezer bags so you will know when you need to use the pumpkin before its quality deteriorates (Use the expiry date indicated in the can and not the sell date).
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Canned Pumpkin?
Canned pumpkin is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your diet. But what do you do when you have extra canned pumpkin? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover canned pumpkin:
- Make a quick and easy soup – Just add some chicken broth and spices to your canned pumpkin, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy soup in no time.
- Add it to oatmeal or pancakes – Canned pumpkin can also be used as a healthy and flavorful addition to oatmeal or pancakes. Just add in some of the pureed pumpkin, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast in no time.
- Use it as a pasta sauce – Canned pumpkin makes a great pasta sauce! Just add it to your favorite pasta dish, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
- Make a pumpkin pie – Canned pumpkin can also be used to make a delicious and nutritious pumpkin pie. Just add it to a pie crust with some sugar and spices, and you’ll have a tasty dessert that everyone will love.
- Use it as a facial mask – Canned pumpkin can also be used as a facial mask! Just add some of the pureed pumpkin to your face, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water, and you’ll have soft and glowing skin in no time.
So there you have it – five creative ways to use up your leftover canned pumpkin. Next time you find yourself with extra pumpkin, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Canned Pumpkin Recipes
Who knew that you can turn a vegetable fruit into a latte, too? With this D-I-Y Pumpkin Spice latte, the delicious froth of a pumpkin with spicy flavor is definitely tastier.
In this video, you will learn how to turn a simple can of preserved pumpkin into two mouth-watering creation: Pumpkin Almond Butter and Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Parfait.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHiJu1o62j0
Garnished with cream and grated cinnamon, this pumpkin pie with buttermilk flavor promises the easiest way of making the most savory pie out of canned pumpkin.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze canned pumpkin. There are a few different methods to make the process easier and more efficient for your family. If you’re looking for ways to preserve the leftover from an opened canned pumpkin, freezing can extend its shelf life and keep it fresh longer than refrigerating or storing at room temperature by up to 24 months. You should never place it in the freezer with the metal can or leave it at room temperature for more than a day after opening.