Gut the perfect pumpkin — without all of the slime
Try these three methods to keep Halloween activity fun and clean
You know the drill: cut around the peduncle and dive in.
Pumpkin gutting doesn’t have to be complicated — you can use anything, from bare hands to a spaghetti spoon to rip out the stringy innards — but it’s almost compulsory that the deed be messy and time consuming.
Parents may want this seasonal activity to eat up as much time as possible for candy-crazy kids, but what if it could be cleaner and even more fun for everyone?
I bought three pumpkins and tested a few methods, including one creative invention involving a power tool, to find the best way to get to the carving stage sooner. Test One: Ice Cream Scoop
The test: This classic method needs little explanation. Grab your favourite ice cream scooper and have at it.
The result: Of course it works, depending on how good your ice cream scooper is. But you’ll still have to stick your hand inside unless you have a long scooper.
Try opting for a different kitchen utensil such as a spaghetti spoon or invest in a pumpkin carving kit, such as the $7 “Colossal carving kit” from Canadian Tire. It contains a “Super scooper/scraper” tool that is long enough to do proficient work.
The rating: 7/10 Test Two: Bottom Cut
The test: Cut the pumpkin from the bottom, instead of around the peduncle at the top. Find the sturdiest way to rest the pumpkin on its side so that it doesn’t fall over as you use the knife. The theory is that more guts can be easily pulled out from below.
The result: The bottom cut gives the top of the pumpkin a cleaner look and provides more room for carving a more intricate design. But that’s where the benefits end. This method may help get the bottom layer of guts out easily, but the sides of the pumpkin remain the toughest part. You’ll still need some good quality gutting equipment.
The rating: 4/10 Test Three: Drill Attachment
The test: The Pumpkin Gutter drill attachment can be purchased for $25 on Amazon and fits into any drill. Using the drill on high speed, start from the top of the pumpkin and work your way around and down. While this might inspire you to use a hand mixer, those kitchen instruments won’t be high-powered enough and are too small for sufficient mobility.
The result: The Pumpkin Gutter website proclaims “no slime, just smiles” — and it’s right. Even if the tool had not been effective, this is way more fun than any other method of pumpkin gutting. Plus, it works perfectly, shaving down the sides of the pumpkin and dislodging all the gunk.
Some online testimonials claim it’s a messy process, but during my experiment, the drill didn’t cause guts to fly around anywhere. This is also a good method to thin out the walls of the pumpkin for easier carving.
The rating: 10/10 Conclusion Who said carving had to be the main event?
The best kind of life hack is the one that not only works but makes you feel like a badass while doing it.
The Pumpkin Gutter tool wins the day. Jonathan Forani is a Toronto-based freelance journalist in search of ways to make everything a little easier. Still looking for a life hack to six-pack abs.