2007 News and Information
What to do with Jack – When Halloween is Over
1 November 2007It’s that time of year again when thousands of pumpkins are transformed into amazing Jack-O-Lanterns throughout the Lower Mainland. Perched on a window sill, porch or front stairs, these works of art, historically used as lanterns to welcome deceased ancestors and ward off “Stingy Jack,” light up the night creating an enchanting atmosphere for Halloween. But this eerie air is short lived. After that – what should be done with “Jack?!?” All too often, “Jack” is bagged and simply carted off to the landfill where he rests in pieces. But “Jack” doesn’t always have to end up that way.
Have “Jack” for Dinner
Unfortunately, “Jack” has a relatively short life cycle. Within days of being carved and brought to life, “Jack” begins to fade. But, if quickly acted upon within the first 24 to 48 hours, depending on conditions, “Jack” can be salvaged for a post-Halloween feast.
Pumpkins are not only edible, but also healthy since they are high in lutein and alpha and beta-carotene (all are antioxidants). So, rather than “bag and cart” the entrails from carving, visit www.epicurious.com (under “pumpkin”) or www.joyofbaking.com/Pumpkins.html for delicious recipes to enjoy “Jack.”
And, let’s not forget those seeds. From pumpkin seed brittle to baked and spiced, they are nutritious and make a fine snack. Check out www.pumpkinnook.com for a basic seed recipe.
Not hungry at the moment? Pumpkin puree is fast and easy to make and can be frozen for another day
Put “Jack” in the Box
Worms like “Jack.” Whether finely chopped and mixed with yard trimmings in a backyard composter or in a porch/balcony vermicompost bin, the worms will embrace “Jack.” In fact, the worms should help create a nutrient rich compost that can be used to grow next year’s “Jack.”
“Jack” has Curb Appeal
Richmond Yard Trimmings Collection Program will come pick “Jack” up off the curb. However, please remember to put “Jack” in securely fastened clear bags of manageable weight or mix him in with the fall leaves. Make sure “Jack” isn’t breaking any bylaw by putting him out after 8:00 p.m. the night before collection day or before 8:00 a.m. on the day of collection.
Return “Jack” to his Roots
Dig a shallow trench in the vegetable or flower garden, disperse shredded pieces of “Jack” throughout and back fill. This diverts beneficial solid waste from the landfill.
Pumpkin Trivia
- It’s estimated that well over 1 million kilograms of pumpkins are carved up annually in the Lower Mainland.
- Pumpkins are orange because they contain massive amounts of antioxidants such as lutein, alpha- and beta-carotene. These nutrients turn to vitamin A in the body.
- Pumpkins originated in Central America.
- Pumpkins are 90 percent Water.
- Using pumpkins as lanterns at Halloween is based on an ancient Celtic custom brought to America by Irish immigrants. All Hallows Eve on October 31 marked the end of the old Celtic calendar year. On that night, hollowed-out turnips, beets and rutabagas with a candle inside were placed on window sills and porches to welcome home spirits of deceased ancestors and ward off evil spirits and a restless soul named "Stingy Jack," hence the name “Jack-o'-lantern.”
- The city of Keene, New Hampshire currently holds the world record for the most lit pumpkins in one location: 28,952
