Advice On Choosing A Pumpkin For The Holiday Season

by JeanS

posted on 10/21/2009

This is the season for pumpkins. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all synonymous with pumpkins, whether you're carving them for decorations or using them for your pies and desserts. Pound for pound, pumpkins are affordable, delicious and nutritious. But do you know how to pick a pumpkin? With so many from which to choose at the grocery store, how can you tell which pumpkin is the best?

Here are some tips to getting a great pumpkin for your holiday festivities.

• Size doesn't matter! If you are shopping for a pumpkin that will end up in a recipe, such as pies, cakes, casseroles or muffins, it really doesn't matter how large the pumpkin is. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, the large pumpkins have just as much flavor as the small ones. The only difference is that large pumpkins may be more difficult to cut because the skin may be a bit tougher. But the inside flesh is just as flavorful.

• Buy a whole pumpkin. Don't buy a half or a quarter of a pumpkin that has already been cut for you. Whole pumpkins that you buy (or that you grow yourself) are like other members of the squash family and will keep for three or four months in a cool, dry location.

• Check the pumpkin for bruising. Once a pumpkin gets a soft patch or a bruise, use it as soon as possible. Soft patches indicate that the pumpkin is beginning to rot.

• Pumpkins should be a dark orange color without any splotches. Of course, if all you plan to do is carve the pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern, you can pick whatever size, color and shape you want. But if you do plan to use the flesh for a recipe, strive for an even shape with even coloration.

• Make sure the stem is attached. This will help the pumpkin stay fresh longer. And never carry the pumpkin by it's stem!

• Soak the CARVED pumpkin in bleach. But do this only if you are not going to use the flesh for a recipe! Soaking the carved pumpkin in bleach will keep it lasting longer, since it will kill any mold spores that might be developing.

• Save the seeds! The seeds can be toasted in the oven for a healthy and delicious treat. Just add some salt and munch away.

Pumpkins are a great value at this time of the year and make wonderful porch decorations. There are also hundreds of delicious recipes available, ranging from pumpkin pie to pumpkin chili. So consider buying an extra pumpkin this year and experiment. You may be surprised with the results!

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