Pumpkin Powder

Just today the Boot team and I were researching how to preserve pumpkin in anticipation of our harvest this year. Rose Red Homestead posted a video about it and we're excited at the prospect of making pumpkin powder.



A couple questions for anyone with the info...

- Should a dehumidifier packet - like silica gel - be included to prevent the powder from clumping? It's not very humid in western Montana so I have doubts this is necessary.

- Anyone have experience with dehydrating slices instead of puree? In the video comments, someone mentioned they simply sliced their pumpkin, then dried it, then powdered it instead of going the puree route. They mention it powders just as well without the puree step. Personally, I'd prefer to not puree, and I'm very curious.

Thanks for reading...!

I do put the moisture absorbers into mine, not only because it's often humid here, but also because you just never know when/ where something is going to spring a leak. I also put a bay leaf in, because you'd be shocked at all the interesting things pantry moths can find their way into.

I do prefer drying slices, then grinding. I'm not the most graceful person, and I'm too concerned I'll spill a puree, plus slices give more options - they can be rehydrated and cooked in a gratin, a tart, soup, etc, and still have something to chew - and they can always be powdered, later, if you want to sneak some veggies into something. I also find thin slices dry faster than purees, because you're hitting more surface area, with the airflow. AND! Sliced stuff can also be eaten as chips. Just brush them with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt &/or herbs, and pop into the oven for a few minutes.

Thanks so much for posting this, Stephan. I LOVE PUMPKIN and rush ariound trying to freeze a lot this time of year when pie pumpkins are available in grocery stores. Because once they are out of stock for the year, that’s it. I am going to buy a bunch of pie pumpkins now, plug in both my dehydrators, and fight the urge to become smug about my pumpkin storehouse this winter. Will have to experiment with my many pumpkin bread recipes to incorporate dehydrated rather than frozen pumpkin. So exciting!