Finding the right pumpkin is the real Halloween trick (and treat) 

I know that for some “the perfect pumpkin” is the $2.99 find at Wal-Mart. But for me, October is the beginning of pumpkin hunting season. Like Linus in Peanuts, I, search from pumpkin patch to pumpkin patch looking for that one and only Great Pumpkin—a beautiful, orange orb that will be transformed by my imagination and light up my porch on Halloween night. Not every pumpkin is worthy to receive the honor of being turned into a glowing Jack-O-Lantern, however. That job falls to but one squash a year – the perfect pumpkin.

It may not be rocket science, but finding the perfect pumpkin does require a little skill. The first step is finding the right pumpkin patch. The Moore County Agricultural Center on Pinehurst Avenue in Carthage is a great place to start. There, you’ll find a wealth of information about local farms and the produce they grow. If you don’t have time to drop by, you can also check out the General Store section of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website at agr.state.nc.us. The site includes a directory of all the area farms including address, phone numbers and services they provide. 

Once you’ve chosen the right location, it’s time to begin the hunt. To ensure success, you need to remember a few rules for picking out the pumpkin of your dreams.

Rule 1 – Always choose a pumpkin with a stem. A loose or broken stem will cause the pumpkin to rot prematurely and it will not last through the holiday season. Because the stem can be easily broken you should avoid carrying the pumpkin by the stem. Instead, grasp your hands or arms around it and carry from the bottom.

Rule 2 – Check the flesh of the pumpkin thoroughly. It should be free of holes, cracks or splits and should be firm to the touch. Pumpkins with soft spots or sunken areas will be quick to decay.

Rule 3 – Select a pumpkin with a flat bottom, so it will stand upright.

Rule 4 – When picking a pumpkin for carving, look for a smooth, flat side. This will make it easier to transfer an image as well as carve the pumpkin.

Rule 5 – Store your pumpkin in a cool, dry place until you're ready to carve. Uncarved pumpkins will keep for several months when stored correctly. A hard freeze will damage pumpkins causing them to turn to mush, so move them to a warm area before a frost.

And the final rule for your search for the perfect pumpkin – Have Fun! Whether you’re picking pumpkins to decorate your steps through Thanksgiving or to enjoy carving with the kids, remember to have fun and create a few memories along the way.