Pumpkin Ale Brew question

[BrewBurns]

Hey All

I am a relatively new home brewer, and looking for help! I am going to start brewing a pumpkin ale, yet had a question in regards to the pumpkin.

I will be using malt extract, but should I put the pumpkin (after baking and scooping out of its shell) in my nylon steep bag, and let it steep for the 60 min. boil for 5 gallons? Or do I pitch the pumpkin mash directly into the wort?

Any guidance would be appreciated!

[a10t2]

Personally, I'm concerned about the starch from the pumpkin remaining in the beer, so I'd mash it. If you aren't able/willing to do a mini-mash, just leave the pumpkin out and focus on getting the spice character you want. Pumpkin doesn't add a whole lot.

[mtnrockhopper]

Personally, I'm concerned about the starch from the pumpkin remaining in the beer, so I'd mash it. If you aren't able/willing to do a mini-mash, just leave the pumpkin out and focus on getting the spice character you want. Pumpkin doesn't add a whole lot.

Yet many people boil their pumpkins without problems.

[snowtiger87]

See this thread. It has plenty of info on when to add pumpkin and what it does:

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=9485.0