Tips for Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

Halloween is on its way and your local Food City grocery is ready with a wide variety of fresh pumpkins perfect for carving. Large pumpkins are great for carving while smaller ones make for great seasonal decoration in and outside of your home. Here are some tips to pick out that perfect jack-o-lantern to be.

• Think Ahead! Before you head off to the store to find that perfect pumpkin to carve pick out the design first. Your design will help guide you on the size and type of pumpkin you need. If you prefer to throw caution to the wind just find a pumpkin that speaks to you.
* For most designs, choose a pumpkin with ample space and a smooth surface for carving. For a creepier take on the traditional jack-o-lantern use a knotted or splotchy pumpkin, like a goblin pumpkin, to enhance your final design. These textured pumpkins can be more difficult to carve however.
• Pick up the pumpkin, but not by the stem. If it feels heavy for its size and firm to the touch then it should be a great pumpkin to carve. Make sure you check for soft spots and bruises, which are early signs of rot.
• Check that the stem is secure and firm. Picking up and carrying the pumpkin by the stem could make it decay faster. Even worse, if the stem is loose the pumpkin could fall out of your hand and get damaged.
• Look for a pumpkin with a level bottom or a flat spot close to the bottom, so it will not roll around.

Have fun carving, and remember to save the seeds to make delicious treats!