Selecting the Perfect Halloween Pumpkin for Carving

Did you know that in order to carve a great looking jack-o'-lantern, part of the process is picking the right pumpkin? If you take carving seriously like I do, then you know that unless you have a great pumpkin to start with, you won't have the base you need for a contest winning, crowd pleasing jack-o'-lantern.

Pumpkins are grown all over the world. As a matter of fact, you can find a pumpkin on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Some people that live in certain regions will have a slight advantage when it comes to pumpkin selection, but for the most part, with a little research and being picky, you can find the perfect, face ready pumpkin of your dreams! I just happen to live in the state of Illinois, which has often been called the pumpkin capital of the world. I learned to enjoy pumpkin pie at a very young age (which would explain all of my weight issues) and pretty much every part of a pumpkin is edible. It's such a versatile fruit (yes, it is a fruit and not a vegetable).

So what exactly do you need to look for in a Halloween acceptable pumpkin?

First, you need to make sure you get one with a stem. More importantly, never handle or carry the pumpkin by its stem, as it decreases the life of the pumpkin right away. Pumpkins without stems do not last long!

Second, never should you pick a pumpkin with soft spots, cuts, gashes, or holes. These kinds of areas are more susceptible to rotting and will not last through the Halloween holiday season.

Third, select a pumpkin with a flatter bottom, and if you want an easy to carve one, you'll need to pick a lighter colored orange pumpkin, as the skin is not as hard as older, darker ones. The trade-off being that they won't keep as well as darker ones, but that's totally up to you. I recommend lighter colored pumpkins to beginners, as they are a lot easier to carve, and are a bit more forgiving if you make a mistake.

Last, but certainly not least, wash the pumpkin before you carve it! A damp cloth with warmer water will suffice. Also, store your pumpkin in a nice, cool place (such as a basement or sub-level) until the day you're ready to carve.

I hope you've learned a little bit more about the art of carving pumpkins for Halloween by reading the above tips. It really will make a difference in the longevity of your lanterns. The only thing you can protect against is kids that like to smash them, but that's what they make guard dogs for, right?