How to Pick the Best Pumpkin for Cooking

Pumpkin is a fantastic ingredient for tasty and savory recipes. If you are new to using fresh pumpkins, these five straightforward steps will help you select the best ones and keep them fresh.

1. Choose the Right Kind

For cooking purposes, opt for sugar pumpkins (also known as pie or sweet pumpkins). These are small and round. You can also choose Long Island Cheese pumpkins, which have an oblong shape resembling a cheese wheel. Avoid field pumpkins, as they are large with watery, stringy flesh, making them suitable mainly for decoration.

2. Search for a Healthy Stem

Look for a pumpkin with a dry, brown stem that is firmly attached. This indicates maturity at harvest. Avoid using the stem as a handle when carrying the pumpkin; it may break off, causing damage and increasing the risk of rot.

3. Examine Thoroughly

Inspect the pumpkin for deep nicks, bruises, or soft spots, which indicate rot. Pay close attention to the bottom, where moisture from soil can lead to deterioration if it has been sitting for prolonged periods.

4. Don’t Judge the Gourd by Its Color

A pumpkin’s color may dull over time, but it can still remain sweet and edible if the outer skin is intact and free of bruises. Focus on the condition of the skin rather than its hue.

5. Store It Properly

Keep whole pumpkins in a cool, dry location. For cut pumpkins, wrap them tightly, refrigerate, and use within five days. You can also puree or cube any leftovers and freeze them for future use.

Earlier, SSP told how to easily remove peanut skin.