Selecting Pumpkins for Cooking and Carving

I’m often asked what varieties of pumpkins are better for baking pies, and which ones are good for carving jack-o’-lanterns.

Baked goods call for specific types of pumpkins. For best results, look for pie (or sugar) pumpkins, which are small and have firm, sweet flesh. In addition to orange, their shells may be light yellow, gray, or cream colored. Choose a pumpkin that is heavy for its size, with a stem at least an inch long - any shorter, and the fruit may decay quickly. There should be no cracks or soft spots on its skin.

For carving, the options are limitless and it's fun to try different varieties. Beyond the ubiquitous orange orb, pumpkins and related squashes come in many shapes, textures, colors, and sizes, so you're bound to find one that captures your fancy. If you don’t grow them yourself, farmers' markets are great places to look for unusual, eye-catching specimens. Once you settle on a pumpkin you like, let its appearance inform your design.

Here are two of my favorite ideas for decorating pumpkins.

NO-CARVE PUMPKIN PATTERNS

Create an instant and intricate design with nothing more than a pair of lacy stockings and a can of spray paint. Take note, last-minute decorators! The process takes just 15 minutes, no carving required.

HOW-TO

Stockings cling best to a smooth surface, so look for pumpkins with shallow ridges. We chose white ones and sprayed them with orange and yellow paint. You can also use orange pumpkins—just be sure the paint shade you pick will contrast with the skin.

SUPPLIES

Pumpkin of your choice
Sheer-to-waist patterned lace stockings
Masking tape
Rubber Bands
Spray paint

1. Cut a section from stockings—one pair can be used for many pumpkins—and pull tightly around pumpkin. Use hips section for big pumpkins, legs for smaller ones.

2. Cinch and knot excess at bottom with a rubber band. Wrap excess at top around the stem and knot with another rubber band. Wrap the stem’s base with masking tape to shield it from paint, as shown, above.

3. In a well-ventilated area, spray paint the top half of the pumpkin with 1 or 2 coats; let dry. Turn pumpkin over and repeat on bottom. Once dry, remove stockings.