Well, it is that season again. You have started to notice them all over the place. Local nurseries are filled to the brim. Grocery stores have put up mountainous displays. Yep,i'm referring to those big, friendly harbringers of Halloween, The pumpkin! Let's face it, this jumbo and versatile gourd is as synonymous with Halloween as Santa Claus is to Christmas. We eat them in pies, decorate them, carve them and put candles inside(jack-o-lanterns), no question, Mr "P" is the king of versatility.



Selecting just the right pumpkin requires some basic knowledge. First, determine what size will be appropriate. Whether you select a baseball size pumpkin, or a pumpkin the size of a Volkswagon, you want to select a firm specimen. Lack of firmness could be an indicator that the friut is too ripe, and destined to be rotten soon. When I was a kid I remmber trying to carry a rather large pumpkin by the stem. WRONG! And I paid the price. Ever heard of the group, "Smashing Pumpkins?"Be sure to avoid scratching or bruising your pumpkin. If you are not careful, one little scratch can cause you to notice an unpleasant odor in the air about two days later. It is called ROT!

By all means keep your pumpkin dry. Moisture encourages the growth of mold and bacteria, more odor causing conditions. Members of the gourd family generally last longer and stay fresher in colder climates. Consequently, keep your pumpkin away from the heat. In the case of a Jack-O-Lantern, a small electric candle is preferable to a wax version. However, be advised that both produce heat. Many people want a timetable on how long their pumpkins will last. The "rule of thumb" is 2-3 days after carving. For longer enjoyment, don't carve. Paint your pumpkin for Halloween on one side and Thanksgiving on the other. Just rotate to enjoy the seasonal scenes.

Hopefully these tips will add to your enjoyment of your next pumpkin. Oh, by the way, pumpkin carving contests are great fun, with creativity being the name of the game. Happy Halloween To All!