Pumpkins are famous for being turned into jack-o'-lanterns, but this type of squash plant can also be used for making many delicious dishes.The skin must be removed in order to do that.Pumpkins used for cooking have thicker skins that cover the fruit.It's easy to peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife.
Step 1: The pumpkin should be washed to remove dirt and contaminants.
The pumpkin can be washed under warm water to remove dirt.Warm water and the removal of dirt make it easier to peel off the pumpkin.If you want to dry the pumpkin, put a clean towel over it.
Step 2: Flat surfaces can be created by cutting the rounded top and bottom off of the pumpkin.
The pumpkin should be placed on the cutting board.Use a kitchen knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pumpkin so that it has two flat sides.After you make the cuts, the pumpkin should be able to sit on its top and bottom.
Step 3: Put the pumpkin and peeler in a container.
The pumpkin should be turned on its side on a cutting board so that one flat side faces away from you.Place the pumpkin in one hand and use the other hand to peel it.
Step 4: Use the peeler to peel the skin from the side closest to you.
Push the peeler in a straight line from one side to the other.You should aim to make peels that are about 1 inch wide and as long as the pumpkin's side.The flesh should be left intact if you only cut off the skin.The skin covers the thicker flesh.
Step 5: Continue peeling the pumpkin by rotating it.
The pumpkin should be turned over to different sides as you finish peeling it.To steady the pumpkin, hold it with your free hand.
Step 6: Make sure all of the pumpkin's skin is peeled before you eat it.
You might have missed some spots as you were peeling.Check to see if you need to peel places that you did not completely peel the pumpkin.
Step 7: The pumpkin needs to be prepared for peeling.
Allow the pumpkin to dry.Flat surfaces can be created by cutting the top and bottom off.
Step 8: Get your knife ready when you put the pumpkin on its side.
Similar to using a vegetable peeler, you will want to place the pumpkin on a cutting board with one of the flat surfaces facing towards your body.The knife should be in your fist.
Step 9: Push the knife along the side of the pumpkin to remove the skin.
You should be able to see the inside of the pumpkin.The pumpkin should be pushed down from the end closest to you towards the other end.The pumpkin should be completely peeled by the time you finish sections.To protect your fingers from getting cut, push the knife slowly and deliberately.The risk of cutting the flesh is reduced by doing so.
Step 10: Make sure that all of the skin is removed.
Before peeling the pumpkin, check to see if you missed any spots.
Step 11: Prepare the pumpkin by washing and slicing it.
Depending on the size of your kitchen appliances, cut the pumpkin in half or into more sections.Place the pumpkin's seeds and other fibers into a bowl after you scoop them out with a large spoon.The pumpkin's inner seeds can be eaten as a snack.You can either save them for later or roast them.
Step 12: The pumpkin should be baked in an oven.
The oven needs to be pre-heated to 375 F.Pumpkins can be placed on a baking sheet.Once the oven warms up, put the pumpkin into it and cook for 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the sizes of the sections.
Step 13: The pumpkin should be cooked in a microwave.
The pumpkin should be placed in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water.Check the progress of the pumpkin with a fork after it is microwaved for 10 minutes.Pumpkin flesh can be easily pierced with a fork.The pumpkin should be let out and cooled.The cooking time may be affected by the size of the pumpkin slices.As the pumpkin cooks keep an eye on it.
Step 14: The vegetable peeler or knife method can be used to peel the pumpkin.
The skin should be easier to remove, but still be cautious.If you missed any spots, look over the pumpkin and peel it away.