Happy Halloween! It is the time of year for Jack O' Lanterns, trick or treating, spooky decorations and funny costumes. This season is rich in diverse traditions including those of All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos, and of course, Halloween.

But Halloween has an even scarier tale seldom told. The U.S. produces more than 2 billion pumpkins each year. But only one fifth are spared the fate of the trash bin. Americans spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on pumpkins and gourds annually, only to toss them in the trash when Halloween ends. There are, however, much more clever ways that a pumpkin can be given a second chance at life, even after the candy is all gone.

Pumpkins are Nutritious and Delicious – however, proceed with caution!

Pumpkins are more nutrient-dense than you might think. A cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 20% of the recommended vitamin C, is a great source of potassium, and has a high fiber content. Recipes for toasted seeds, soups, canned puree, and desserts, which meld tradition with sustainability, proliferate the web this time of year. But before you think of cooking up your squishy Jack ‘O Lantern, follow these guidelines from UC ANR Master Food Preservers Program. Here are some tips on proper food preparation and, storage.

Animals Love Them

Crack it open, remove any wax, paint or stickers from the pumpkin and leave it outside for backyard critters to enjoy. Cutting the pumpkin into quarters makes it easier to eat for bigger mammals like deer, sheep, etc. Some farms, zoos, and

animal shelters accept pumpkins as animal feed. Please check your local municipality for any rules regarding feeding wildlife.

Composting

Break up your pumpkins and gourds and either place them in your compost bin, or directly into your garden bed. Over the winter fungus, bacteria, and insects will decompose the chunks, increasing the nutrients in your soil. You can even plant inside a pumpkin, placed in your garden bed! While you are at it, save the seeds and plant our own next year!

Whether you seek to grow the biggest pumpkin for a local contest or are compelled to carve them with your eager little ones, pumpkins will remain a central part of Halloween. With a little creativity and determination, you can extend the many gifts' pumpkins provide.