Oh. My. Gourd: How to pick a prime pumpkin

If buying for a lantern...

Pick one with an oval, rather than round shape, if carving a face… but if you see a mad bumpy one you love, go for it!

Look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom (this isn’t Miss World, you know). Flat bottoms mean less wobble.

Give it a knock – a hollow sound makes for a good carver. If buying for eating...

Look for firmness and brightness of colour.

Watch out for frost damage – any dullness around the stem suggests frost has hit.

Don’t throw away the seeds: these can be washed and roasted for a tasty snack.