Believe it or not, pumpkin season is almost upon us. Many of us “skipped” the Halloween season last year, meaning that 2021 looks set to have even more emphasis than ever before.
Whether you’re the type of person who wants to be the envy of the street, with award-winning pumpkins dotted around your windows, or if you simply want to see what all the fuss about when it comes to carving, today is for you. This blog post will help you navigate the the do’s and don’ts for the ultimate pumpkin.
The do’s and don’ts for the ultimate pumpkin: Do make sure you look at the condition first
In short, not all pumpkins are equal. Suffice to say, if you see any mould or bruising, it’s time to turn to the next one. Nowadays, it’s better to pick one yourself than head to the supermarket where you’re generally left with the scraps.
In terms of other advice, lightly toned pumpkins tend to be easier to carve. We’re not quite sure of the reasons why, but to make things easier for yourself, try and judge the tone for yourself.
Do give your pumpkin a good wash
Like most things that grow from the ground, pumpkins are utterly filthy. Even though you might not have any intentions of consuming it, a clean pumpkin is going to be easier to carve and last longer. If you can soak it in a combination of bleach and warm water, you’ll lessen the chance of mould spreading and ultimately preserve your prized pumpkin!
The do’s and don’ts for the ultimate pumpkin: Do cut off the bottom of the pumpkin
It might “feel” obvious to cut off the top of the pumpkin as you begin scooping, but the opposite approach is more advisable. By cutting the bottom off, you’ll keep more moisture in the pumpkin and, as such, preserve it for longer.
Don’t try the freehand approach
You might consider yourself a talented artist, but pumpkin carving brings something completely new to the table. The best advice is to use a stencil or at least draw on what you intend to carve first.
In terms of what you should use to draw on your pumpkin, a water-based marker is usually the best bet, as this can be easily removed after the carving is complete.
The do’s and don’ts for the ultimate pumpkin: Don’t carve the big pieces first
If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, you’ll soon realise how satisfying it feels.
However, hold your horses and take a step back. If you get too enthusiastic and start carving huge pieces, you’ll find that it becomes nigh-on impossible to carve those more intricate details later down the line. You’ll be adding a so-called finishing touch before realising that the pumpkin is starting to break and all your hard work has been for nothing. It sounds dramatic, but carving can take time, and by following a process, you can heighten your chances of being the talk of the street (for good reasons, we should most definitely add).
