Follow these pumpkin carving tips and tricks to have the perfect jack-o-lantern for Hall-o-ween night.
Choose the Right Pumpkin
The first pumpkin carving tip to get the perfect jack-o-lantern is picking the right pumpkin. A healthy, fresh pumpkin, will hold up to carving and last longer.
1. The stem is key. You want a pumpkin that still has a stem. That’s pretty easy if you’re plucking it straight from the vine. A visit to the local U-pick pumpkin patch is the best way to find a really fresh pumpkin.
If you’re choosing from already picked pumpkins, look for stems that are still a little green. A dry, brittle stem is a hint that the pumpkin isn’t very fresh. A stem that’s broken off may indicate that the pumpkin has been handled too much and might be bruised. Also look for a sturdy, thick stem, a sign of a healthy pumpkin with thick walls.
2. Look for blemishes. You don’t want a pumpkin that is bruised or has spots, wrinkles or other damage. Any of those could cause your pumpkin to rot too soon. A healthy pumpkin will also have uniform color all over. Also, a pumpkin that’s heavier than it looks is a good quality pumpkin.
3. Choose the right shape. The best pumpkins for carving have even, rounded sides and flat bottoms. The flat bottom means your carved pumpkin won’t roll away when you display it on the front porch. If you can find a pumpkin patch that sells a variety of pumpkin there’s one actually named Jack-O-Lantern. It was bred to create pumpkins that were perfect for carving. However, an strangely shaped pumpkin might inspire a jack-o-lantern masterpiece. A long skinny pumpkin might be just the right shape for a creepy face.
4. Get the biggest pumpkin you can. Large pumpkins are easier to carve, because you have a bigger work surface.
Carve a Pumpkin Masterpiece
Try one of these pumpkin carving tips for choosing the right spot on your pumpkin for the hole you use for cleaning the pumpkin out and placing the light source.
Top – Most folks cut the hole in the top. For this placement, angle the knife at 45 degrees when making the cut. This will keep the lid from falling inside the pumpkin.
Back – Pumpkins grow on a vine, and the stem delivers moisture and nutrients to the pumpkin. Separating the stem from the rest of the pumpkin when you create a lid on the top actually speeds up rotting. So cut the hole in the back, and you’ll solve that problem.
Bottom – The hole can also be cut in the bottom of the pumpkin. Then you can cut off any bumps on the bottom that might keep it from sitting flat. This also leaves the stem intact. And when it’s time to place the light source, it’s easy to sit the pumpkin over it. That’s really helpful if you’re using a candle with a real flame. The one negative to placing the hole in the bottom is that moisture may run out from inside. Just put a plate or tray under the pumpkin if you need to protect the surface where it sits.
Get your pumpkin squeaky clean. The cleaner your carved pumpkin is on the inside, the longer it will last.
1. Take out the guts. Use a large metal spoon to gently scrape the inside walls, to removing all the seeds and pulp.
2. Take off a little more. Once you remove all the seeds and pulp, scrape off a little more of the inside flesh. This removes some of the moisture from the pumpkin. The drier the pumpkin, the longer it lasts. But don’t remove too much. Walls should be at least an inch thick.
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3. Make a plan. Look over your pumpkin and carefully select the side you want to carve. Use a pencil or marker to draw your design. You can also trace a printed template by using a nail or pin to score the design onto the pumpkin. Then connect the dots with your carving knife.
4. Select the right tools. Small serrated knives and paring knives work really well. You could even use a small saw. Store bought pumpkin carving kits are also great and usually kid safe. It you want to add small details, try using a lemon zester, rasp, Exacto knife or clay sculpting tools like a ribbon tool.
5. Saw away. A sawing motion makes it easier to cut through the thick walls of the pumpkin, especially when making the bigger cuts, like the hole in the top.
6. Hold on tight. For better control while carving, hold the pumpkin in your lap. It’s especially helpful when making intricate cuts. Do pay attention and be careful not to cut your your legs in the process!
Make Your Carved Pumpkin Last
1. Wait. Even using all the preservation methods, your carved pumpkin will only last a few days before it starts to rot. Wait as long as you can before you carve your pumpkin, if you’re using to for a party decoration, ideally the day before the event.
2. Bath time. Once you’re done carving, use a bleach and water solution to wash the jack-o-lantern on the outside. This kills any bacteria on the pumpkin. Be sure to dry it thoroughly after.
3. Protect the exposed flesh. Slather petroleum jelly on areas where the flesh was exposed from cutting. It will form a barrier that blocks bacteria.
4. Disinfect once a day. Spray the pumpkin once a day with a solution of water and bleach.
5. Chill your pumpkin. If you live where it’s cool in the fall, just keep your carved pumpkin outside in a shady spot. If it’s warm in the fall where you live, bring your pumpkin inside and refrigerate it during the day. You can wrap in cling wrap to help keep it even fresher while it’s in the fridge. Bring the jack-o-lantern out for display each night.
6. Use a cool light source. Real candles will make the inside of your pumpkin warm and cause it to rot faster. A battery LED light or flameless candle will keep things from getting too toasty. They’re also not fire hazards.
7. Don’t cut. You don’t have to carve your pumpkin. You could draw a design on with paint or markers. You can even buy decals and stickers for decorating pumpkins. Store your uncarved pumpkin in a cool location, and it can last as long as Thanksgiving or even Christmas!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. through affiliate links in this post.