How To Pick The Best Pumpkin

It’s that time of year when you load your family up and head to the local pumpkin patch to find the best pumpkin. When it comes to pumpkins, there’s much more than meets the eye, and it can be difficult to determine which pumpkin is worth your money. While you can always settle for what’s available at the supermarket, it’s best to head to a pumpkin farm for a fresher and more diverse selection.  Just like purchasing any other produce, there are some things you need to keep in mind while selecting the best pumpkins. With the help of these tips by Better Home and Gardens, you can find the right pumpkin for you.

Tips For Picking The Best Pumpkin

• Look For Different Types of Pumpkins – Pumpkin patches are more than just orange globes. In addition to the classic pumpkins for carving Jack-o’-lanterns, many farms grow heirloom pumpkins with unique characteristics such as deep ribs, bumpy skin, and various colors. These unusual pumpkins are fun to use in fall displays.
• Go For Green Stem – When picking a pumpkin, looking closer at the stem is essential. A firm, dark green stem indicates a fresh pumpkin, while a brownish, mushy, or dried-out stem indicates otherwise. The stem is like a wick that draws water from the inside of the pumpkin, leading to shriveling. To avoid this, it’s best to cut the pumpkin from the vine by snipping the vine itself on either side of where the stem is attached. Even though this may create more cut surfaces, the vine heals better than the stem. While the stem seems like the ideal handle for lifting the pumpkin, lifting it from the bottom is better to prevent breaking it off and causing more water loss.
• Make Sure Your Pumpkins Sound Hollow – When picking pumpkins, choosing ones that make a deep, hollow sound when tapped, just like watermelons, is best. To check if a pumpkin is good, hold it with one hand and knock on its side with the knuckles of your other hand while placing your ear next to the pumpkin. If the sound echoes and is hollow, it’s good. The louder the sound, the better the pumpkin.
• Check For Firmness – When it’s time to collect pumpkins, look for those that have a leathery and firm skin. You can test it by giving it a gentle poke with your nail. It is ready to harvest if it springs back or doesn’t give. Be sure to check for any soft spots, especially where it’s touching the ground. If you press it with your finger and it feels spongy, move on to another pumpkin.
• Don’t Ignore Wounds – Pumpkin skin is similar to human skin and can become infected if cut or scraped. Even small cuts, including those made during carving, can cause the pumpkin to rot faster than an intact one. To prevent this, wash the outside of the pumpkin with a diluted bleach solution (mix one part bleach with nine parts water). After cleaning, store the pumpkin in a cool, dry place and keep it from freezing. If you follow these steps, your pumpkin can last for several months.

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Head To The Pumpkin Patch Today

Now that you know what to look for in pumpkins, you can pick the best to carve and decorate. To ensure your pumpkin looks its best on Halloween, you may want to hold off carving it until two days before the holiday. Each member of the squash family produces a unique fruit in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The variety is endless, from massive pumpkins to miniature ones, from round to bumpy. You can also turn your pumpkin into a delicious treat, so pay attention when picking a pumpkin.