Tap the pumpkin gently and listen for a slightly hollow sound. Pumpkins without stems tend to dry out faster and increases their chances of rot fungi. Newspapers spread out on a table or countertop before starting keep your carving station clean and tidy. Carving a simple Jack O Lantern. Pick one that looks healthy, feels firm and has a flat bottom. Sculpting is where you carve a 3D sculpture, much the same way you would carve wood or clay. According to ancient beliefs, it scares away evil spirits from your homes on All Saints Day. Especially a pumpkin carved face with lighting from the inside. Know how you want to design your jack-o'-lantern before picking your pumpkin so you know what size and shape to look for. If you end up with a thick-walled pumpkin, you can shave the walls from the inside. Using a sharp knife, cut a circular hole in the top of the pumpkin at an angle toward … Check the coloring: Choose one that has consistent coloring throughout. You don't want a carving pumpkin with especially thick walls, as this can block light from the inside and obscure carving details. We've collected some of the best pumpkin-carving techniques and compiled them into this handy pumpkin-carving guide! You Don’t Need Fancy Tools. After carving, coat the inside of the pumpkin and the cuts with petroleum jelly. Download our free mix-and-match template and print it at home to choose from a variety of spooky or goofy features for your homemade jack-o’-lanterns! Want to know more about Josh Wolff? Regardless of the type of pumpkin you are looking for, there are some basic guidelines to select a good one. 1. If you want to ensure that your pumpkin stays fresh for as long as possible and is easy to carve, you need to start while you’re still at the pumpkin patch. Don't just pick any pumpkin. Take the following into consideration when cooking and eating pumpkins: Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener. So don't shy away from a dull pumpkin unless it's bruised or blemished. Thick walls block the candlelight and carving details will be lost. Also, lift the pumpkin to compare how heavy it is to similarly-sized pumpkins. Get their official bio, social pages & articles. Using a large scoop out the seeds and fibers "guts" of the pumpkin. Their smooth tan skin is easier to peel than other pumpkins, and their orange flesh is flavorful and not stringy. The following tips will help you select the right pumpkin. How To Choose a Pumpkin Carving Kit. Firm stem: You should aim to pick a pumpkin with a firm stem. Tis the season for pumpkin carving and when it comes to picking the right pumpkin, there are steps you can take to make sure you pick a winner! The lack of a hollow sound can mean the walls are very thick. 1. 19. Make sure the pumpkin has smooth skin and a good stem. Many cooking varieties have names that let you know they are destined for pie filling, such as 'Small Sugar Pumpkin' or 'New England Pie Pumpkin'. And it's important to consider what you'll be using the pumpkin for—cooking or carving—when you're planning what to grow or purchase. If it’s soft, bruised, or mushy anywhere, it’s beginning to rot, and it’s not going to make it to Halloween. Tips for selecting the perfect pumpkin for carving: • Choose a pumpkin with a stem at least 1 to 2 inches long. 2. ; Look for bad spots: Try to choose a pumpkin without any scratches, bruises, or dark spots. You can carve any type of pumpkin, gourd, or squash. Knock on the pumpkin to check that it is hollow (and therefore ripe). The ideal carving pumpkin should have a shell that is hard enough to protect the pumpkin but still allows you to get a knife through it. It involves cutting straight through the pumpkin to make a design. Pick the right size for carving. And if you're using a template, bring it along to ensure you pick a pumpkin large enough for the design, with just the right "face." Never carry it by the stem. Never pick up or carry a pumpkin by its stem. Because pumpkin carving templates are essentially just stencils, dedicated stencil websites are a great resource for pumpkin carving inspiration. Of course, you want to pick a pumpkin that’s free from blemishes and soft spots, but that doesn’t mean your gourd of choice needs to be flawless. "If you're going to do more detailed carving, it's often easier to carve if you pick a pumpkin … When you're perusing the selection at the pumpkin patch or grocery store, make sure that you settle on a pumpkin with a flat bottom (so it doesn't roll) and a nice sturdy stem. The 'Rouge Vif D'Etampes' variety is delicious but very hard to shell. Pick it up and tap it: It should feel sturdy.When you tap it, you should hear a hollow sound. They have dense flesh with a smooth texture and high sugar content. Avoid pumpkins with shells that feel as hard as a piece of wood. Odd-shaped pumpkins can have extra character which can make carving fun. When choosing your pumpkin, look for one that is without bruises, is evenly colored, and isn't moldy or rotten. The pumpkin's shape is up to your own taste. Make a clean workspace to do the carving in, and trace or draft your design on the side of the pumpkin before you begin cutting. Pumpkin-carving kits, made specifically for kids or adults, are another good source. Wash your pumpkin. When you pick up the pumpkin and tap on it listen for a hollow sound, that is the sound you want when you are looking for the best carving pumpkin. There are three types of pumpkin carving: cut-out, sculpting, and shading. Back in the day (you know, a million years ago, when I … The white pumpkin 'Lumina' can also be used for cooking. Don't forget to look at the bottom of the pumpkin. Check to make sure the skin has hardened enough before picking by pressing it with your fingernail; this shouldn't crack the skin. Aim for ones that have a hard dark green or black stem (green is best). If you think pumpkins are only for decoration or that pumpkin pie comes out of a can, you've probably never known what a treat growing your own pumpkins can be. Pumpkin shells get dull as they age, but the flesh usually remains intact and gets sweeter. Before carving or display, wash the pumpkin with warm water and let it dry. Battery-operated, pumpkin-carving knives also make quick work of even intricate designs. You’ll want to choose a pumpkin that feels heavy for it’s size. Pick it up and feel the weight. It is not a handle. You need to pick out a just-right pumpkin to be carved or decorated for Halloween night. Out came the carving supplies, and down we sat to create our masterpieces. 'Wee-B-Little', 'Baby Bear', and the white 'Baby Boo' are all charming varieties. 2. Pick it up and tap it. Lifting the pumpkin will also give you a good idea of how dense it is. This pumpkin … Although its outer shell is ghostly white, its flesh is still bright orange. Choose a winner. Check that the stem is firm and secure, but never pick it up directly from the stem. No Halloween is complete without a jack-o’-lantern.Whether you’re carving pumpkins with family or sculpting masterpiece pumpkins solo, you’ll need a top-notch carving kit to help you get the job done.. As you’re hunting for a pumpkin carving kit, keep in mind how intense you want your pumpkin to be. Scott's first tip: Pick the best pumpkin for carving. So, find your nearest pumpkin patch and go pumpkin picking! Furthermore, note that the tall, oblong varieties tend to be stringier inside, causing it to be difficult to make precise cuts. Carefully check the pumpkin for soft spots and dark bruises. Besides traditional pie pumpkins, there are several other varieties specifically bred for cooking. Next, check out the pumpkin. 6. The perfect shape: You should choose a round or oval pumpkin with a flat bottom. Therefore, today we are learning how to carve pumpkin for Halloween and some scary pumpkin carving ideas. There is a lot of variety in pumpkins. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. And because pumpkins come in all sorts of shapes and dimensions, each design has three different sizes to choose from! Cut-out is what people are most familiar with. Last night was pumpkin-carving night at my house. Choose any type of pumpkin and use a sharp serrated knife to cut through the pumpkin top . Don't entirely avoid the small pumpkin varieties. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. A pumpkin cut for Halloween will last seven to 10 days depending on weather conditions. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Like with the other carving techniques, cut a top or hole in the bottom of the pumpkin and remove the pumpkin guts before starting to carve. Tap the pumpkin gently, and listen for a hollow sound. These are easier to carve. The smallest nick can be enough to let in disease. 1. Cut Out the Top. Check to make sure the skin has hardened enough before picking by pressing it with your fingernail; this shouldn't crack the skin. Also, the bottom should be flat so it doesn’t roll. DON'T GO FOR MINI PUMPKINS. But before you go, educate yourself. Carefully check the pumpkin for soft spots and dark bruises. Small or large, doesn’t matter because all pumpkins are carvable. This also can lead to you dropping and splitting the pumpkin. Your first step to a spook-tacular jack-o’-lantern starts with choosing the ideal pumpkin. The lighter the pumpkin's skin, the softer the pumpkin will be, thus the easier to carve. For a simple pumpkin carving … Check the bottom for rot and tap gently to hear a firm, hollow sound. Crookneck pumpkins, also known as crookneck squash, are long and curved with a bulbous end. Here is a list of what you should look for when picking out a good pumpkin: 1. Once you pick a size, give your pumpkin a knock with your fist. But it's still important to test to see whether your pumpkin has a balanced base to sit on, so it doesn't roll when you display it. A simple $7 kit is sufficient for most classic jack-o’-lanterns and veggie … In fact, expert carvers recommend pumpkins that are imperfect. A fully mature pumpkin should be hard enough for short-term storage. (You're welcome.) If you are planning to use a candle, go taller: if a pumpkin is too short and squat, the candle will burn the roof. Look for a pumpkin that has a deep orange color. They include 'Baby Pam', 'Autumn Gold', and 'Ghost Rider'. Make sure the bottom of the pumpkin isn’t soft and mushy! Need some pumpkin-carving inspiration this Halloween? The Valley's #1 Hit Music Station - Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem, The Valley's #1 Hit Music Station - Allentown, Easton, Bethlehem, B104 Bridal Showcase / Online Registration. Here are tips and tricks to pick the best pumpkin for carving. Round, medium-sized pumpkins are best for simple carving, while larger pumpkins are better suited for more elaborate designs. And once a pumpkin starts to rot, it can go downhill pretty quickly. First, knock on the pumpkin to see if it’s hollow; hollow means ripe. Consider these tips to help you pick a carving pumpkin: The smaller pumpkin varieties are favored for cooking. The heavier the pumpkin, the thicker the walls. A fully mature pumpkin should be hard enough for short-term storage. The stem can easily break off, leaving the pumpkin with an open wound that invites infection and rot. The heavier the pumpkin, the thicker the walls. Don't forget to … It can be very difficult and even dangerous to try to cut through especially hard shells. The choice between carving pumpkins and cooking pumpkins is actually very practical: Carving pumpkins should look nice and be fairly easy to cut through while cooking pumpkins should have a nice taste and texture. You can either head to a pumpkin patch and get a whole fall experience or you can just pick one up the next time you are at the grocery store. The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Types and Varieties, Safety Tips for Carving Pumpkins and Displaying Them, 8 Best Types of Squash for Beginners to to Grow, Free Jack-o'-Lantern Patterns: Printable Templates, How to Remove Pumpkin Stains From Clothes and Upholstery, When and How to Harvest Garden Vegetables. To carve your own pumpkin, you'll first need to purchase or pick one from a local farmer's market or pumpkin patch. Tall, short, round, oval—as long as it has a smooth exterior, carving will be much simpler. You want at least 12 inches tall if you plan to put a candle in it. They are great for kids to carve and for use as decorations. When it comes to shape and size, pick the one you like best. They might look cute, but Dussel says that they can be harder to … Keep reading to find out what you should look for when you are searching at the pumpkin patch! Anyone can manage a simple pumpkin face design just by keeping a few pumpkin carving tips in mind and with very few tools, other than a knife and scooper. Pick out the perfect pumpkin. Avoid the temptation to pick the pumpkin up by the ‘handle’ or stem… A good carving pumpkin should be firm and healthy. If the stem breaks when you try to pick it up you should put it down and find another pumpkin. Choose the best pumpkin for carving or eating this Halloween. White pumpkins varieties, such as 'Lumina', can give a spooky look to your. Fall brings with it so many fun traditions, drinking apple cider, making caramel apples and, most importantly, visiting the pumpkin patch! Follow the necessary safety precautions while using the tools and product needed for this project. Picking a Proper Pumpkin. Remember also that you'll need to scoop out all of the seeds from the pumpkin's interior. The pumpkin will last longer in a cool place. 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