One of the surest signs that fall is upon us is the
appearance of pumpkins for sale along the roadside. Generally speaking if
pumpkins are ready for harvest, frost can’t be far behind. The search for the
perfect pumpkin has become almost as important as finding the perfect Christmas
tree.
The name pumpkin originated from “pepon” the Greek work for
“Large Melon”. Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.
American Colonists sliced off pumpkin tips removed the seeds and filled the inside
with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin for
our pumpkin pie.
Pumpkins come in many shapes and sizes. Over the last couple
of years, miniature pumpkins have become very popular. Many pumpkins will be
carved into Jack-O-Lanterns. Finding just the right pumpkin for carving is a
personal choice. Select a pumpkin that is visually appealing, usually a deep
orange. The shape is just whatever appeals to you. If it has a flat spot or
blemish, just turn that side to the back and carve the front or use it as part
of the design.
So how do you preserve your carved pumpkin to make it last
longer. Did you carve a great pumpkin masterpiece last year only to have it rot
days before Halloween? Here is something you can try to help preserve the
pumpkin a little longer. The intact skin of a pumpkin protects it until you
carve it. But then various organisms can get inside and start to break it down.
Simple dehydration will begin the moment the pumpkin is carved. Make a bleach
solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water and put it in a spray
bottle. Spray the pumpkin inside and all cut areas of the pumpkin with the
solution. This will kill the bacteria and mold that cause rotting. Let it
penetrate and dry for about 20 minutes. Keep your pumpkin out of direct
sunlight and try to keep it as cool as possible, and you should get at least a
week or two of enjoyment out of it!
The tradition of hollowed out pumpkins originated in Ireland and Scotland where they hollowed out
turnips and placed embers or candles inside. Irish families who immigrated to America brought the tradition with them, but
they replaced the turnips with pumpkins which were native to the New World . I am glad pumpkins were native to America ,
how would you like to carve a turnip?
Have you ever wondered why carved pumpkins are called
Jack-O-Lanterns? If you really want to know you can give me a call.
