There are many fun things to do in autumn, and nothing beats picking pumpkins. Learn some tips from the pros on how to find the perfect pumpkin at the patch.
With fall officially in full swing, we can finally say the same for pumpkin season! Going to the patch is a wonderful family activity that both parents and kids love. But how do you find the best pumpkin? Check out the information below for tips on finding the perfect pumpkin at the patch.
Determine Your Need
When you get to the patch, you may be surprised to discover that there are many different pumpkin types—and they aren’t all suitable for the same things. There are various uses for pumpkins, including:
- Baking: Pumpkin pie, bread, cookies, and more
- Carving: Jack-o’-lanterns are Halloween must-haves
- Décor: Some homeowners like to set a pumpkin on their porch
Decide why you want to go pumpkin picking before you leave so you can choose which one you should take home. A small pumpkin may be perfect if you use it as natural decor, but you may need something bigger to make a delicious pie—especially since you’ll likely want to share!
Pro Tip
Understandably, you may need to learn what type of pumpkin is in front of you. Ask a worker at the patch to direct you to the area with pumpkins for your specific need.
Check the Color
As you evaluate the many pumpkins surrounding you, you can narrow things down further by inspecting the color. When they’re ready to pick, the stem will appear dark green; a brown stem could signify a less-than-fresh pumpkin.
When it comes to the color of pumpkins, you may be surprised to hear that they’re not all orange. This member of the squash family can also be white, yellow, red, green, or even blue! The orange pumpkin most of us see starts as green and becomes orange as it ripens.
Options like white pumpkins are popular for fall dishes, especially those desserts many of us wait all year for!
Know What To Avoid
Like most fruits, surface damage can impact the inside. Skip over pumpkins with visible cuts or soft spots. While it may not look like a big deal at the pumpkin patch, both can increase the risk of the pumpkin rotting prematurely. And nothing leads to a sad face quicker than a rotten pumpkin you and your family never got to carve.
Pro Tip
Ideally, your pumpkin should be firm; finding the right one is like shopping for a watermelon. Don’t be afraid to knock on the top contenders in the patch—the perfect pumpkin sounds hollow.
A Closing Note: Make a Day of It
Knowing how to find the perfect pumpkin is a bit of a process, but it’s fun, no matter how old you are. In fact, pumpkin picking is one of the best fall activities for families! Remember to enjoy every moment of your search. You could work together to find the best in the patch or compete to see which individual finds the pumpkin supreme! Make the most of your fun fall day.
