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Halloween is right
around the corner, so it’s that spooky time of the year to get out and find
the perfect pumpkins for your front porch. So, I thought I’d share a few
tips on how to pick the pumpkins that will last the longest.
-First, determine the
size pumpkin you would like to work with. Large round pumpkins make great
chubby smiling pumpkins, while tall narrow pumpkins are good for spooky or
ghost faces.
-Look for pumpkins that
are fresh and firm, and visually appealing. An even deep orange color is
usually best, but today, pumpkins come in all kinds of colors. I still go
for the deeper orange colored ones.
-Make sure the pumpkins
you choose will sit straight on a hard surface…and make sure that it has a
firmly attached hard stem that’s 2-5 inches long. No stem or soft stems
will start to rot quicker. Remember; do not carry your pumpkin by the
stem!
-Inspect your pumpkins
for cuts, soft spots or bruises. The flesh should feel hard and not give
easily. And although really smooth skinned pumpkins may carve easier, they
can also bruise and rot quicker. I personally like the ones with a little
rougher skin. They make a scarier pumpkin face!
-And make sure your
pumpkin has at least one good side for carving that special pumpkin face.
One last tip: Don’t
carve your pumpkin until just before Halloween. As soon as the skin is cut
or punctured, your pumpkin begins to dehydrate quickly, and bacteria sets in
causing it to break down and turn to mush. And you certainly don’t want a
mushy pumpkin on Halloween night. |
