Day 12: Pumpkin Selection...

Without a doubt the most recognizable symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin carved into a jack-o-lantern. And selecting the pumpkins you'll carve for your Halloween Jack-O'-Lanterns is very important.

Where is the Perfect Pumpkin? Is it in the pumpkin patch waiting for your family to come find it? Maybe it's at the grocery store or about to be sold by a redneck who sits off the intersection outside Wal-Mart. It may even be at the farmers market.

Where ever you chose to purchase your orange gourd, chances are you’ll find one suitable for your needs. But let’s be honest, picking out a pumpkin is fun. It really is! As an adult, you can’t go trick-or-treating. It’s one of those things you have to give up and live off memories from Hallow’s Eve long ago. But you can still carve a pumpkin!

I’ve never seen anyone pick out pumpkin without a smile on their face. Look around next time you’re looking for one. You won’t see one single grump pumpkin searcher. Not one! It takes you back to being a kid, and it’s okay to get a little excited.

Finding a good pumpkin for carving requires patience and knowing what kind of pumpkin you are looking for. But while you’re anxiously selecting your gourd to be carved, there are some things you need to keep in the back of your head that will assist you in selecting a good one…

The Stem:
The stem should be firmly attached.
Squeeze the stem to make sure it's solid. A soft stem indicates the pumpkin is already in a declining state and won't last very long.

The Bottom:
Most people don't look at the bottom and this is a huge mistake! If you see mold; this indicates its already rotting. Do you see any pin holes? this indicates the insects have started eating the pumpkin and it won't be long before it rots.

Coloring:
The color should be uniform, green indicates that the pumpkin wasn't ripe when picked and most likely will not ripen further.

Condition:
Look for bruises and dents these could cause the pumpkin to rot at a quicker rate.

Size:
If you are planning to carve your pumpkin using a pattern, take the pattern with you to help choose the correct size. A large pumpkin with a small design carved in it doesn't look as nice as a large pumpkin with a large design on it. The size does not indicate how quickly or slowly a pumpkin rots, despite what you might have heard. Larger pumpkins are easier to carve than smaller ones, so if this is your first effort, go for a big one.

Shape:
Try to match the shape of the pumpkin with the design you will be carving from it. Let’s say you had a pumpkin carving pattern of, I dunno…John Kerry! Sadly, I had one in 2004…but anyway…A round pumpkin doesn't suit Kerry’s long face as well as a tall pumpkin will. So chose wisely. Also, the pumpkin should be able to stand on its own. If it cannot do that, then don’t get it.