PUMPKIN PICKING HACKS

Everyone who goes to U-pick pumpkin patches is not looking for the picture-perfect pumpkin to carve. Many people are looking for pumpkins that will taste great in pies, pancakes, breads or other culinary pleasures. And others are just looking for some esthetically pleasing gourds to place on the dining room table or outside on a fall-inspired doorstep. In general, though, smaller pumpkins (two to four kilograms) are better for cooking, and larger uniform pumpkins are good for carving. But here are some useful tips for all of your pumpkin picking needs:

No matter what you plan to use your pumpkin for, it’s important to make sure it has no spots or dark bruises. Once the rotting process starts, it quickly goes downhill. This is especially important for pumpkins you plan on leaving out for some time. Along the same lines, you want to make sure you pick a fully mature pumpkin to ensure it will withstand storage. And while it might be tempting to pick a pumpkin up by its long, enticing stem, don’t — it is not very hardy and can easily rip off, leaving an opening that is susceptible to rot.

So when is the best time to pick your pumpkin? Typically, once it is the colour it is supposed to be, whether that is white or orange (or something in between), when the vines have dried up and when the skin is hard enough that you can’t easily push your fingernail through it.

Now, for the most important tips. How do you choose the perfect pumpkin for carving? A lot of this boils down to personal preference but there are some general guidelines avid pumpkin carvers might want to note.

First, you should pick a pumpkin that is not so hard it feels solid, but also is not too soft. Firm is the best way to describe it. Next, you should tap the outside of your prospective pumpkin to see if you can hear a “hollow” sound. While you don’t want a pumpkin that is too thin skinned, one that is heavy usually means it has thick walls, which will make it harder for any light to shine through and show off your carvings.

While the shape of the pumpkin is up to you, it should have a solid, fairly flat base, so the pumpkin will lie flat. And while most people look for those large, round pumpkins, why not try something different this year? You can opt for white (lumina) types, which give off a very eerie vibe when lit and can even be painted to create unique designs. Smaller pumpkins are also fun. There are all kinds of interesting and distinctive designs you can create on these smaller versions, and they are perfect for using as table decorations.

And now that you have spent time carving your pumpkin, you will want to make sure it stays fresh-looking for at least a few days since it will start to dry and even shrivel once you cut it. Make sure to keep it in a dry, cool place, definitely out of direct sunlight. You can even cover it with a damp towel — not too wet, though — or spray it with an anti-transpirant, which essentially stops the pumpkin from losing water and shrivelling up. And while you may not have animals of your own, there are plenty of curious critters around that would love to check out your pumpkin, so make sure to keep it out of harm’s way.