How To Pick The Most Perfect Pumpkin In The Treasure State

It's Pumpkin Season In Montana

Tis the season to be picking out a pumpkin to carve up and display to kick off the holidays. Not to mention picking out pumpkins for pies and cookies. (Oh how I love the holidays.) Whether baking or carving, how do you know you're getting the best pumpkin for the job?

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No worries, I found all the tips we need to kick off fall with allll the right pumpkins.

Picking The Perfect Pumpkin For Carving In Montana

According to Farm and Dairy, there are just 5 thing to keep in mind.

1. The color of the pumpkin. The lighter the skin, the easier it will be to cut, and the longer it will last. Darker skin means tougher skin
2. The weight is important. Make sure it feels heavier than it looks because it will last a lot longer than a light pumpkin
3. The Stem length matters. A strong stem is a sign of a healthy pumpkin. If a pumpkin doesn't have a stem or has a soft stem, it will start to rot quickly
4. Pick a pumpkin with firm, spot free skin. Spots are a sign of rot. Keep in mind that you can choose one that isn't fully ripe because they keep ripening after harvest
5. Be sure and look at the bottom of the pumpkin. Soft bottoms mean early rot.

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Picking The Perfect Pumpkin For Cooking In Montana

According to Southern Living, there are 5 things to look out for when choosing your pumpkins for eating.

1. Choose the right pumpkin. For cooking use sugar pumpkins. They are also knows as pie or sweet pumpkins. Another good pumpkin for cooking is the Long Island Cheese Pumpkin that are oblong.
2. Healthy Stem. Just like on a carving pumpkin, the stem is an indicator as to the health and life left in your pumpkin
3. Examine for bruises and soft spots. They're all signs of rot
4. Color isn't that important. Even though the color of a pumpkin can dull with age,. the inside will be great as long as there are no bruises and such.
5. Store your pumpkins in a cool, dry place until you cut them. After cutting them, they should be wrapped, refrigerated and have a lifespan of 5 days. You CAN freeze pumpkin.