Fall in Texas! How to Pick the PERFECT Pumpkin
Heading to the pumpkin patch this weekend? Here are a few tips to make sure you pick out the best pumpkin and don't do what I did and buy one that's crooked and half-rotted!
First, check for soft spots or any mold. Make sure to press underneath with your thumbs. If it gives a little, that means the pumpkin isn’t as fresh as it should be.
Look for one with its stem still attached. A dark green stem means it was picked recently. A brown stem? It's been sitting there for a while.
Give the pumpkin a tap. If it sounds hollow, it’ll be easier to carve.
When picking a pumpkin for carving, go for flat walls and no deep ribs. Tall, oblong ones might look cool, but they have stringier flesh that makes carving tougher.
And before you commit, set it down on a flat surface. Make sure it sits upright and doesn’t lean to one side. That way, your pumpkin will stay steady while you carve.
🎃Here's where you can get pumpkins in West Texas🎃
Some people take their pumpkin carving SERIOUSLY!
Here’s a rundown of five essential tools for serious pumpkin carving, straight from Gizmodo.com:
- Pumpkin Gutter: A handy tool that attaches to a power drill, resembling a metal electric beater attachment. It cleans out the pumpkin's guts in seconds, keeping your hands clean.
- Carving Cutlery: Warren Cutlery sells a pumpkin carving kit with six serrated blades, each designed for different types of cuts. It's available for about $21 on Amazon.
- Dremel Tool: Typically used for woodworking, a small 6V Dremel kit can make intricate cuts on pumpkins and costs around $23.
- Linoleum Cutters & Wood Chisels: Perfect for advanced carving techniques like etching or shading by cutting halfway through the pumpkin, so light shines through the rind.
- Cookie Cutters & Apple Corers: These kitchen tools are a great shortcut for making perfect shapes like stars quickly and efficiently.
These tools will elevate your pumpkin carving game for some serious artistry!
Enjoy the hunt and happy carving!
And here's a bonus video with safety tips for carving a pumpkin from a hand surgeon!
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