A Happy Crop of Pumpkins

There are many fruits and vegetables that trigger a frown on the face of kids…and even some adults. But I don’t think there is any produce item that brings as much joy and smiling to a child’s face…than a Pumpkin. Pumpkins light up Halloween night, and light up the faces of kids. In the grocery stores and farmer’s markets, you are seeing bins of Pumpkins show up. From California fields in the San Joaquin Valley, growers tell me it is another “happy crop of Pumpkins.” The recent heat wave may cause some Pumpkins to “melt in the fields,” but you may not feel the impact because this year has brought an excellent crop. It is never too early to pick out your Pumpkins. If they will be for decorations, I have two simple rules: Pick them Early and Pick them Ugly. When you pick them early in the season, you get the best pick of the best Pumpkins. I love to pick Pumpkins with character, lopsided, oblong, tall, short, wrinkled with curling, ugly stems. It’s not a Halloween mandate to have the perfect Jack O’Lantern for display. A Charlie Brown Pumpkin is just fine. Next, give a tug to the stem. It should hold fast. If it easily pops off, that is not a properly cured Pumpkin, and will most likely melt before its big day. Secondly, feel the blossom end. The Pumpkin is part of the hard Winter Squash family. The emphasis is on “hard.” The shell should be hard. If there is any decay or problem, the blossom end will show that first. Retail and farmer’s market prices should be from $2 - $7 each, depending on size. Happy picking.