Tips For Picking Perfect Pumpkins This Halloween Season

As the days tick off towards the Halloween holiday, stores across the area are full to the brim with pumpkins.  And many families will be grabbing one from the display and heading home to carve them for display on the porch.

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But before you just grab the first one, if you want the best pumpkin for creating a winning carved pumpkin, there are some easy tips to help you choose the best one for the job.  Whether it be for carving, cooking, or both.

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How to Search for the Best Pumpkin in Montana

When choosing your gourd for gutting, the first thing to look at the selection for is the color of the pumpkin.  Pumpkins that have a rich, orange color are of a higher quality.  The quality also helps determine how long your pumpkin will last.

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Another factor that can hamper just how long your creation lasts is the visible surface damage on the pumpkin.  If it does have damage, it will lead to a shortened shelf-life and lead to early decay.

Cooking and Decorating - One Pumpkin for Both Jobs

Size and maturity can help determine your pumpkin this year if you want both decoration and a delicious homemade pie.  If you just want a large jack-o-lantern, a larger pumpkin is perfect.  But if you want both, check the smaller, heavier pumpkins for cooking.  They have more pump and are way better for pies and other recipes.

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Likewise, testing for maturity can benefit you for the cooking and carving.  For maturity, check to see if the pumpkin is resistant to scratching.  You can use your thumb to check it if scratches easily.  If so, it may not be ripe or fully grown yet.

Ultimately, knowing your pumpkin's purpose can help in choosing the right one for your needs.  You may just "know" when you see it at the store.  And some of those imperfections or surface characteristics might just make the "perfect" pumpkin this year.