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Tips for picking your perfect pumpkin
Part of the joys of the season for many is to head out to a local pumpkin patch in search of the perfect specimen, here's what to look for
* Make sure the pumpkin is unbruised and free of cuts and soft spots. The flesh should feel quite firm.
* Watch out for mould around the pumpkin “handle” (its stem), which may indicate rot. Don’t carry the pumpkin by its stem; decay speeds up if the stem breaks off.
* Look for a flat-bottomed pumpkin so it sits upright, and choose one that suits the size and shape of your stencil if you plan on carving.
* The stems of some pumpkin varieties have small prickly spines, so delicate hands may need gloves for protection when picking.
* You can pick unripe (green) pumpkins but you need to keep them quite warm, about 27°C (80°F), for 10 days if you want them to ripen to their bright orange colour. Once mature, store pumpkins in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them.
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