Market secrets: How to pick the perfect pumpkin this season
Pumpkins reign supreme at the markets. It's hard not to notice them, as their color catches the eye, and their shapes can be impressive. However, it's crucial to ensure that when cut, the vegetable's flesh is firm and not dried out. What should you pay attention to when buying the best pumpkin for culinary purposes?
3:11 PM EDT, October 30, 2024
Pumpkin season is in full swing. We use it for many dishes, from coffee syrup to soups, dumplings, and sweet baked goods. The success of these dishes largely depends on the quality of the pumpkin. If it is dried out, it won't be as tasty. That's why it's helpful to know how to choose the best one in the market.
Pumpkin: Pay attention to the skin
It's best to buy a whole pumpkin, as it will stay fresh the longest. However, choosing wisely is key to avoid disappointment when cutting it open. Start by carefully examining the skin, which should be smooth and hard, without any damage. The color is also important. It varies depending on the variety, but should be uniform and quite intense. The more orange the pumpkin, the more beta-carotene and pigment it contains.
What the stem indicates
It's also worth checking the stem. The stem should be slightly woody. Its absence may indicate that the pumpkin was picked too early or stored improperly.
Familiar tricks
The tricks we use at the market when choosing a watermelon can also work when buying a pumpkin. It's about listening to the sound it makes when tapped. The sound emitted by the pumpkin should be dull, indicating it is full and ripe. A hollow sound may mean that the flesh is dried out, or there will be little of it when cut open. The pumpkin, just like a watermelon, should have only one spot, indicating that it grew lying in one position from start to finish.
Weight is also significant. The heavier the pumpkin is relative to its size, the meatier and juicier it will be inside.
