Some varieties are:
- Lumina White Pumpkins – The skin of white pumpkins is less stringy and this makes it easy to carve them. ...
- Moonshine Pumpkins – A wonderful small, white pumpkin that is very uniform, and smooth-skinned. ...
- Polar Bear Pumpkins – This extra large pumpkin has bright white skin. ...
- Valenciano Pumpkins – The snow-white skin of this ribbed pumpkin makes it nice for carving. ...
How to pick the perfect pumpkin for carving?
How to Pick a Pumpkin
- Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the vines start to dry up and the pumpkins turn the expected color—orange, white, or a hybrid. ...
- A fully mature pumpkin should be hard enough for short-term storage. ...
- Carefully check the pumpkin for soft spots and dark bruises. ...
- Never pick up or carry a pumpkin by its stem. ...
What are some good Pumpkin Carving ideas?
Pumpkin Carving Ideas – Awesome Jack O Lanterns!
- Jack O Lantern – A Little Background. Jack O Lanterns are well known as emblems of Halloween. ...
- Cool Pumpkin Carving Ideas. Once you have completed your Jack O Lantern, try adding some dry ice to give it this cool pumpkin effect.
- Scary Jack O Lanterns. ...
- Funny Pumpkin Carving Ideas. ...
- Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas. ...
How to carve an amazing pumpkin?
Carving an amazing pumpkin is surprisingly easy- even my 5 year old was able to help this year. First, pick the perfect pumpkin. Make sure the stem is firmly attached. Test the pumpkin on a flat surface to make sure it sits upright. If the bottom of the pumpkin gives when pressed, it has already gone soft.
How to choose pumpkins to carve or pumpkins for cooking?
Your Guide to Pumpkin Patches - and How to Choose the Best One
- Check It's Ripe Enough. You can tell a pumpkin is ready to be harvested by checking the vines. ...
- Look Out for Signs of Disease. Once a pumpkin starts to rot, it can worsen very quickly which is not ideal for a lantern. ...
- Pay Attention to the Stem. Stems are a good indicator of the health of a pumpkin. ...
- Size Matters. ...
Can you use any pumpkin for carving?
"The pumpkins you carve are actually heirloom 'carving pumpkins,' also commonly called jack-o'-lantern pumpkins, or giant jack-o'-lantern or Howden pumpkins," Hultin says. But the pumpkins you'd buy for cooking have names like sugar pie and Cinderella.
What is the difference between a carving pumpkin and a baking pumpkin?
Carving pumpkins typically have a thinner skin, making them easier to carve. They also have less guts inside, which are usually stringier, making them easier to clean. Baking pumpkins — sometimes called sugar pumpkins — are usually smaller and more round in shape.
Are yellow pumpkins easy to carve?
Their round shape and pretty color makes them ideal for this project. Some popular medium sized pumpkin varieties are: What is this? Autumn Gold Pumpkin – Easy to handle size of 7 – 10 pounds with a pretty orange – gold color and very easy to carve.
What are three tips for choosing an ideal pumpkin for carving?
So when you're out looking for the best pumpkin, here's seven tips to keep in mind, according to Reiners:A hard sturdy stem. ... Avoid the soft spots. ... Check for an uneven pumpkin. ... Patience with the carving. ... Ripe is a matter of opinion. ... Go small when baking. ... Bumpy is fine.
How can you tell a carving pumpkin from a pie pumpkin?
Carving pumpkins (or jack-o-lantern pumpkins) tend to have pale orange flesh, and not very much of it. That makes it easy to carve through the flesh and make your fancy designs. Pie pumpkins have darker orange flesh. The flesh of a pie pumpkin is also quite thick.
Can you use pie pumpkins for carving?
Pie pumpkins are used for cooking or baking and are also called sugar pumpkins. They are more petite and are often used to decorate or paint rather than carve.
Are green pumpkins good for carving?
"Make sure it's a good color, and what you want is a deeper orange." A pumpkin that is mostly green, but has patches of orange, will work if you don't plan on carving it right away, Rufener says. "It can still ripen even after you've picked it from the patch, but don't start carving until it's mostly orange."
How can you tell a good pumpkin?
A fresh pumpkin should be solid to the touch. Avoid ones that have soft spots or sunken areas, as decay has already set in. Selecting good quality produce will ensure that your autumn display will be long lasting. High quality pumpkins have a firm, hard rind and are generally rich orange in color.
What should I look for when buying a pumpkin?
Look for pumpkins with firm and smooth orange skin and that feel heavy for their size. Avoid pumpkins with cracks and bruises. Whole pumpkins can be kept in a cool, dry place for several months. Once you cut up your fresh pumpkin, store it in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic and use within five days.
Is it harder to carve a green pumpkin?
When choosing a carving pumpkin, make sure its color is orange throughout. Avoid green patches or brown spots, which means the pumpkin is either under- or over-ripe. A pumpkin like this can be harder to carve.
Are white pumpkins harder to carve?
“The white pumpkins are easier to carve, than the orange ones. The skin is less tough. Your knife will go right through it.”
How long does it take to carve a pumpkin?
Carving pumpkins is such a fun Halloween tradition for all ages that lets you make some spooky decor to light up the night. Since it only takes 30–60 minutes to carve a pumpkin, it's the perfect afternoon activity for you.
Can you use regular pumpkins for baking?
You won't want to use the large carving pumpkins for baking; instead look for smaller pie pumpkins (also called sugar pumpkins) which are dense and darker in color.
Can you use jack-o-lantern pumpkins for baking?
Jack O Lantern pumpkins, which is lighter than baking pumpkins and also can be baked and turned into a pumpkin pie or desert.
Can all pumpkins be used for cooking?
At the same time, they ask “Are all varieties of pumpkins are edible?” The plain and simple truth is – – Yes, all varieties of pumpkins are edible. Of course, pumpkin seeds are edible, too. Both pumpkin flesh(pulp, or meat) and seeds taste good, and are healthy and nutritious.
Can you cook and eat Halloween pumpkins?
Sure — as long as it is in good condition and hasn't' yet been carved. Pumpkins typically used for jack-o'-lanterns usually are larger, with stringier pulp and more watery flesh. However, you can still eat the jack-o-lantern variety with fairly good results.
How many pounds of pumpkins does a Casper pumpkin grow?
Grown for appearance and carving ability rather than flavor, the albino white Casper produces 12-15 lb pumpkins for a little flare in your haunted house.
How long does it take for a New Moon hybrid pumpkin to grow?
New Moon Hybrid pumpkins seeds grow one of the most rewarding winter squashes you could ask for. Ready to harvest in 110 days, New Moon Hybrid delivers perfectly uniform 35-45 lb alpine white pumpkins certain to turn any regular Jack O Lantern into talk of the neighborhood.
Is pumpkin a seasonal crop?
There's a lot less variety among buying whole pumpkins than any other crop in the produce department. Because pumpkins are only a seasonal specialty, locals growers and producers are not as willing to risk their profitable harvest with unique pumpkin varieties that are unproven.
What is the best pumpkin for baking?
Pie pumpkins are true to their name, and are the best pumpkin for making desserts like pie and cookies. Also called sugar pumpkins and sugar pie pumpkins, these have dark orange flesh, and come in small sizes of about 4-8 pounds. Although these smaller pumpkins are great for baking, they don't make good carving pumpkins because of their small size. Some popular varieties are Sugar Pie, Cinderella, Baby Bear, and Dickinson.
What color are pumpkins?
They can come in medium to large, and are found in shades ranging from a deep orange to a light, almost yellow orange. These are the perfect pumpkins for carving because of their smooth flesh and flat bottoms.
How long do blue Jarrahdale pumpkins last?
The inside is similar to a blue Hubbard squash & is most commonly used for pumpkin pies or savory dishes. This pumpkin is an excellent keeper & can last up to 12 months in a dry climate.
How much does a mini pumpkin weigh?
Mini pumpkins are the adorable ones you'll find around Halloween time that weigh about two pounds and can be held in one hand. These ones can come in a variety of colors, from orange to white to green. These are great for decorating, with their festive and colorful appearance.
How big are blue pumpkins?
Blue pumpkins are one of the more unique colors, and they come in dark blue to blue-green shades. These aren't typically very large, and at average are 6 to 12 lbs. They originated in Australia but are now available around the world. Some common varieties are Blue Lakota, Blue Moon, Blue Max, Kabocha, Kakai, and Jarrahdale pumpkins. These are tasty in sweet and savory dishes, but their thick flesh makes them a bad choice for carving.
Can you use mini pumpkins for carving?
They also do well when roasted, but you should avoid using these for carving because of their tiny size. While it can be done, it's hard to fit a whole pumpkin design on such a small pumpkin, so your jack-o-lantern might be hard to discern. Some popular varieties of mini pumpkins are Baby- Boo, Jack-be-Little, We-Be-Little, and Munchkin.
The difference between a carving pumpkin and a pie pumpkin
Have you ever noticed, in the grocery store, that their pumpkins are marked as “pie pumpkins” or “carving pumpkins?” If so, you are luck, since this removes some of the guesswork in your quest for the perfect pumpkin.
Are all pumpkins edible?
The short answer to this question is yes – you can eat all types of pumpkins. Not only is the flesh of the pumpkin edible but so are the flowers, leaves, skin, stems and seeds. It is nature’s complete food!
Types of pumpkins for carving
Now that we know about carving and pie pumpkins, let’s learn about some pumpkins that are the perfect choice for carving. (You can print this list out in the project card at the bottom of the post.)
Tips for picking the perfect pumpkin for carving
Now that you know some varieties that are available, let’s figure out out to pick the perfect carving pumpkin.
Pin this post for choosing the types of pumpkins for carving
Would you like a reminder of this post for choosing the right pumpkin for your carving project? Just pin this image to one of your Halloween boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
Printable List of the Best Pumpkins for Carving
There are over 100 varieties of pumpkins. Some are best for cooking and baking and others are meant for pumpkin carving. Print out this list of carving pumpkins and add it to your gardening journal.
What paint should I use on pumpkins?
Otherwise, acrylic, latex and puff paint will all stick to your squash. Use black spray paint for a spooky base, or try a gold metallic spray paint for an elegant spin on your holiday decor. If you're still curious about pumpkins, here's more info on some of the different varieties (pictured above): Red Kuri Pumpkin.
What is a long pumpkin?
The Long Pie pumpkin is an heirloom variety with a long shape unlike traditional carving pumpkins. The fruits weigh an average of 5 to 8 pounds, and are best used for pies, since their meat is fleshy and not stringy. This variety is also known as the Nantucket Pie. Sugar Pie Pumpkin.
How big should a pumpkin be for a pie?
For fresh pumpkin pie, smaller and sweeter pumpkin varieties are best. Choose pumpkins that are 3-6 pounds in weight, and have names like Sugar Pie, New England Pie or Baby Pam Pumpkin. Look for a pumpkin with 1-2 inches of stem. If it's green, even better—that means your pumpkin is super fresh.
What is a Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin?
The Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin is the ultimate carving pumpkin, and likely the variety you're picking up at your local patch or grocery store. Their thin walls make them easy to cut and allow candlelight to shine through once you've finished your Halloween designs.
Where do Cinderella pumpkins come from?
Cinderella pumpkins are another heirloom variety hailing from France, where they call them Rouge vif d'Etampes. The nickname was appropriately inspired by the carriage that Cinderella's fairy godmother turned into a pumpkin. Not only are they great for decoration, but they also make delicious pies.
Where are red kuri pumpkins grown?
With their nutty flavor, they're great for making pies, muffins, breads and more. This variety is primarily grown in California, Florida and Southwestern Colorado. Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin.
Is pumpkin squash edible?
Once you've established what you want to do with your squash, you can use these tips to pick up the best variety for your needs. The truth is, all pumpkins are edible. It's just that the bigger carving varieties have lower sugar content, thin walls and stringy, sometimes watery flesh.
What do you need to decorate a pumpkin?
All you need are some colored tea lights to add some extra pizzazz to your pumpkin and other creepy yard decorations.
How to tell if a pumpkin is ripe?
Once you pick a size, give your pumpkin a knock with your fist. A hollow sound indicates it’s riper and easier to carve. Finally, test the pumpkin’s stability by placing it on a flat surface before purchasing it.
How big do jumbo pumpkins get?
Jumbo pumpkins (50-100 pounds): • Dill’s Atlantic Giant. 110-125 days. Huge, round, pinkish-orange fruit to 10 feet in diameter and up to 800 pounds; 200 to 300 pound fruit common on vines with one fruit; 50 to 100 pound fruits common on plants with multiple fruits. Open-pollinated.
How big can a pumpkin grow?
Grow them just like any other winter squash. Here is a list of best bet, easy-to-grow pumpkins divided into size categories: (1) small pumpkins (2 to 5 pounds); (2) intermediate-size pumpkins (8 to 15 pounds); (3) large pumpkins (15 to 25 pounds); (4) jumbo pumpkins (50 to 100 pounds and larger).
How big is a baby bear pumpkin?
Small pumpkins (2 to 5 pounds): • Baby Bear. 105 days. AAS. Half the size of a normal pumpkin. Fine-grained flesh, excellent for pies. Deep orange fruit 5 to 6 inches wide and 3½ to 4 inches tall. Weighs 1½ to 2 pounds. Strong stem is easy to grip.
How long does it take for pumpkins to be harvested?
Harvest. Pumpkins require 100 or more days to reach harvest. Pick pumpkins when they are a deep, solid color–orange for most varieties–and the rind is hard. Pick pumpkins before the first hard frost. Use a pruning shears to cut pumpkins from the vine and leave a 3 to 4 inch stem attached to the fruit.
How much does a golden orange pumpkin weigh?
Use for pies, seed snacks, and carving. Bright golden orange pumpkins weigh 8 to 10 pounds; 1 to 3 fruits per plant. Compact, bush-type vine for large container or small garden, vine spreads only 5 to 6 feet. Open-pollinated.
What pests can attack pumpkins?
Outwit pests. Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers will attack pumpkins. These pests must be controlled to successfully grow pumpkins and other squashes. Place floating row covers over young pumpkin plants until they start to bloom. This will exclude attacking insects until plants are strong enough to withstand pest damage.
How far apart should I plant pumpkins?
This will not only allow them to mature but also deter pests and disease. Vining pumpkins require at least 50 to 100 square feet per hill; keep hills 5 to 6 feet apart and rows 10 to 15 feet apart. Semi-bush varieties: space hills 4 feet apart and rows 8 feet apart.
What kind of knife do you use for carving pumpkins?
The small saw-type knives in kids pumpkin carving sets are the best for digging into your design. They are small and easy to handle, and the blades are flexible so you can easily turn corners and make round shapes.
How to clean a pumpkin before carving?
When cleaning out the pumpkin be sure to remove every bit of pulp so it won't attract any bugs. After carving wipe down all the surfaces, inside and out. Keep your carved pumpkin out of direct sunlight and refrigerate it for up to ten days when not on display, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
How to clean pumpkin seeds and goop?
As you clean out the pumpkin, put the seeds and goop in a large bowl of cold water. Give it a few good stirs and a lot of the gunk will fall to the bottom of the bowl while the seeds float to the top. Once they are separated and patted dry, roast the seeds with just oil, salt and pepper or give them a sweet and spicy treatment.
What tool do print makers use to cut out fine details?
A potters’ loop tool or a lino cutting set used by print makers’ are the ideal tools for carving out these fine details.
How many pieces of carving tools are in a pumpkin carving kit?
This 11-piece pumpkin carving kit has a great set of knives and carving tools, including one shovel, one double-sawing knife, one one-sided saw, one semi-circular knife, one pumpkin drill, six double-sided carving tools, and a skull storage bucket to keep it all in.
How many saws are in a pumpkin carving set?
This 12-piece pumpkin carving set includes two saws, a cambered etching tool, poker drill, scoops, six double-sided sculpting tools, a high-quality storage bag and an e-book with 1,000 templates for stencils. This will fulfill your Halloween-carving needs, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
What is included in a pumpkin carving bundle?
This four-piece pumpkin-carving bundle includes a knife, scoop and two carving tools. The set is durable and easy to use for teenagers ages 14 and up. While this basic, durable set is a big upgrade from a classic knife and spoon, you’ll need to have an idea of what you want to do before getting started, as it does not come with stencils or specific instructions.
How old do you have to be to play Rule Pumpkin?
The kit’s riveted stainless steel handles make it a powerful weapon in your bid to rule pumpkin design, but also make it less than ideal for kids under the age of 14, and even then, they should have supervision.
Can you carve a pumpkin?
Initially, carving a pumpkin may not seem like a big deal, but when you end up with a subpar carving job, you may change your mind. Carving sets take the stress out of creating the perfect pumpkin, but you will definitely want to keep the following in mind before clicking “buy.”
Is adult assistance still needed for pumpkin carving?
Reviewers say that “adult assistance is definitely still needed,” but the set “takes a lot of the tedious work out of pumpkin carving.”
Do the small knives bend?
One reviewer writes that they’re “extremely happy with this product,” while another notes that “though the small knives bend depending on how you’re angling the cut, most of the equipment held up and worked well.”
