We all know for a fact that pumpkin fruits are available only during the months of September or October. That’s why I’m looking for ways to preserve pumpkin and make it available for baking pies and cakes throughout the year. I wanted to make a gallon of puree and preserve it. Can I freeze pumpkin puree?
Quick Answer
Yes, of course. Making a puree out of pumpkin fruits is definitely better and is easier to pack than when trying to preserve raw or fresh pumpkins.
Keeping pumpkin puree at temperature of zero degree or below is always the best way of preserving it. Pumpkin puree will retain its best quality and taste in the freezer for up to eight to nine months. If you refrigerate pumpkin puree, it will stay fresh only up to three days.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Purees?
Some foods last longer in the freezer. You can freeze a pumpkin puree for a long time but it may not be as fresh and good tasting as before.
You might notice that some foods change color when they come out of the freezer. This happens when something is exposed to air and this does not make it unsafe or bad to eat. The taste is also not affected by it either. The change in color just comes from what happens naturally with food that is stored in the freezer, just like bananas or avocados do too!
Before freezing, you can prevent food from darkening by mixing lemon juice so they don’t get brown so fast.
You can also suffocate the freezer bag so air would not come in contact with the puree.
The best containers to use are bottles with good lids or heavy-duty freezer bags. When using a rigid container, leave a room for about a half-inch headspace.
How to Preserve Pumpkin Purees?
There is no other way to maintain pumpkin purees in its utmost quality than to freeze it. Here is how you can preserve it:
- Choose a fully-ripened pumpkin with no scratches and visible damage
- Rinse with water, cut into sections and thoroughly scoop out the seeds
- You can cook it either through a pressure cooker, in the oven, by steaming or in boiling water (This may take up to two hours and 30 minutes until it gets tender)
- Use a spoon to separate the flesh from the rind, then mash
- You can use a blender for finer puree texture
- Let the mashed pumpkin cool before freezing. But don’t let it sit in the open or in room temperature for two hours
- For faster results, place the container in a bowl of water with ice cubes and stir occasionally
- You can use muffin tins or cupcakes cups to shape the puree before packing
- Store in air-tight containers and freeze.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin puree is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. But what do you do when you have extra pumpkin puree? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover pumpkin puree:
- Make a quick and easy soup – Just combine your pumpkin puree with some chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy soup in no time.
- Use it as a pasta sauce – Pumpkin puree makes a great pasta sauce. Just add it to your favorite pasta dish, and you’ll have a tasty and unique meal in no time.
- Make a tasty dip – Pumpkin puree can also be used to make a delicious dip for chips or breadsticks. Simply add in some shredded cheese and spices, and you’ll have a tasty snack that everyone will love.
- Make a pumpkin pie – Of course, pumpkin puree can also be used to make a delicious pumpkin pie. Just combine it with some sugar, spices, and a pre-made pie crust, and you’ll have a tasty dessert that everyone will love.
- Use it as a pancake or waffle Topping – If you’re looking for a unique way to use up your pumpkin puree, try using it as a pancake or waffle topping. Simply add a dollop of puree to your favorite pancakes or waffles, and you’ll have a delicious and unique breakfast in no time.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover pumpkin puree. Next time you find yourself with extra pumpkin puree, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Pumpkin Puree Recipes
This “Weelicious Pumpkin Puree” can be both for you and your baby – full of carotene, blended with a teaspoon of iron-rich molasses syrup and a little spice for flavor.
The Fresh Pumpkin Pie is made of natural puree straight out from raw pumpkin fruits. You can taste the savory pumpkin just by the moist look of it.
A pumpkin cake made of 100% pumpkin puree glazed with shiny not-too-sweet chocolate. Mixed with delicious butter and brandy, this cake will last for days.
Wrap Up
Pumpkin puree is one of the best ingredients for baking pies, cakes or other fall-themed dishes. You can preserve it by freezing so you have enough to last all year round! The freezer will keep your pumpkin purees fresh up to nine months and they won’t change color when taken out. To prevent them from darkening too quickly before preserving them, just mix lemon juice into the puree first. When using a rigid container, leave about half inch headspace on top of the food product in order to avoid any leakage while freezing.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin puree. Freezing pumpkin puree is great if you are planning to make something with it later on. When you freeze pumpkin puree, you can make it last up to 2 months longer by storing properly. Here is how: Poue the puree into ice trays. After you fill the ice tray, put it in the freezer. When the puree is frozen, take it out of the tray and store them in a freezer bag. Make sure you carefully push out all the air before sealing the bag tightly. Label the freezer bag with today’s date to tell you when it was frozen.
Now that you know how to freeze your pumpkin puree, please share your experience with me in the comment below.