Pointers for picking the perfect pumpkin

Pumpkins are plentiful this time of year, and experts say there's a wide variety of uses for them as well.

Pumpkins are the centerpiece of fall decor according to Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension. Yet, picking the right pumpkin is, in many ways, a matter of personal preference because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. "Success in selecting a pumpkin is not about shape, but the initial quality of keeping it fresh throughout the Thanksgiving season," Byers said.

According to Byers, good color development is important, but several other considerations and inspection points are more important.

"Avoid any pumpkins that have cracks or splits. Gently squeeze or press your fingers into the fruit. A fresh pumpkin should be solid to the touch," Byers said.

It is also important to pay close attention to the blossom or bottom end and area around the stem.

"Be sure and avoid pumpkins that have soft spots or sunken areas where decay has already started," Byers said.

When handling and carrying a pumpkin, be sure to use care, and do not use the stem as a handle.

"To prevent damage be sure and grasp your hands and arms around the pumpkin and carry it from the bottom," Byers said.

A good solid and healthy pumpkin should keep for several months or at least through Thanksgiving according to Byers.

"Pumpkins store best under cooler conditions, but hard freezes in the season will damage pumpkins causing them to turn to mush," Byers said.

Pumpkins also have great nutritional value, and can enhance the table as a dining option as well as a decoration. Low-calorie pumpkins are great sources for vitamin A, potassium, protein and vitamin C, extension specialists say.

When choosing a pumpkin for cooking, Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist, University of Missouri Extension, suggests choosing a small pumpkin that weighs between two and six pounds.

"Look for one that has one or two inches of stem left. Pumpkins with shorter stems decay more quickly. It is also a good idea to choose a pumpkin that has a rich orange color with skin that cannot be easily broken or scratched by your fingernail," said Roberts.

Pumpkins can have multiple uses. For example, Roberts says you can paint a funny face on the pumpkin (using non-toxic paints) for a seasonal decoration. After the holiday, wash and cook it.

When selecting a pumpkin for cooking, a "pie pumpkin" or "sweet pumpkin" is a good choice but the jack-o-lantern variety also works fine for eating.

Small pie pumpkins can be painted or decorated without cutting, then cooked later.

"For every pound of whole pumpkin, you can expect to get one cup of pumpkin puree," said Roberts.

Pumpkins also can be roasted, baked or prepared as soups. For more information on preparing pumpkin seeds, see Pages 5 and 6 of today's Nevada Daily Mail.