Pumpkins certainly do signal the arrival of autumn! The pumpkin is so popular that Charles Perrault incorporated it into his version of “Cinderella” by having it turn into Cinderella’s carriage. There has always been some magic associated with pumpkins as we carve them into Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween to ward off evil spirits.
Pumpkins are usually harvested in September as well as October depending on where you live. They magically appear in grocery stores in the South in September all the way through November.
Pumpkins add to Halloween décor as well as Thanksgiving and are seen as a sign of a good bounty. If you can, why not go to your local U-Pick and choose your own pumpkins? This is a great activity for kids, too. Look on social media for some places near you.
If you pick your own pumpkin, try following these tips:
• The stem needs to have dried out somewhat.
• The rind needs to be hard. You should not be able to push a nail in it as well as make a mark in the rind.
• If you knock on the pumpkin, it should sound hollow.
• The color should be typical of the variety.
• It may have a distinct “pumpkin-y” smell around the stalk.
• When a pumpkin is ripe, the leaves will begin to lose their color and get crispy indicating the vine is dying.
If you choose a pumpkin from the grocery store, try following these tips:
• Look for a firm, hard rind (no bruises or soft spots).
• It should be heavy and have a hollow sound.
• Make sure the color is rich in whatever variety you are purchasing.
• No splits or cracks.
• Make sure the stem is intact, and do not carry it by the stem.
Using Pumpkins for Fall Décor
Be sure and choose the right pumpkin for the decorating you have in mind. For example, if you plan on carving a Jack-O-Lantern, select a large, symmetrical pumpkin that is uniformly-shaped. Smaller pumpkins in various colors might be cute surrounding your large one.
Also, stacking pumpkins for your indoor or outdoor decorations has become popular. You can use faux or fresh pumpkins for this decor. To create stacked pumpkins that are sturdy, start with a flat, stable base like a grapevine wreath, then secure pumpkins together using glue and wire if needed. If these are fresh pumpkins, make sure you cut the stems even with the base of the pumpkin and use a tough glue to adhere them. You may even need to use wooden dowels to keep them from falling over. Pumpkin stacks are more appealing when odd numbers are used.
Using Pumpkins for Cooking
Everyone loves the smell of a pumpkin pie baking. The Libby’s Recipe on the can of pumpkin is probably one of the most popular recipes in America for making a classic pumpkin pie.
Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Ingredients
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep-dish pie crust
¾ cup white sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 (15 ounce) can Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 (12 fluid ounce) can Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk
Directions
• Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in small bowl.
• Beat eggs lightly in large bowl, then stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mix.
• Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue to bake until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 more minutes. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
• Serve cooled pie immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. (Do not freeze as this will cause the crust to separate from the filling.)
Whether you pick your own pumpkins or choose your pumpkins at a grocery store, pumpkins are a great way to celebrate the season.
Happy Autumn and Happy Gardening!
Gaye Winter, Ph.D., teaches English at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is currently serving as President of the Biloxi Garden Club. Reach her at gaye.winter@mgccc.edu.
