Page 31 - Oundle Life October 2022
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PERFECT
PUMPKINS
Harvest yours in Fotheringhay
After a long hot summer with record-breaking temperatures and very little rain, the arrival
of Autumn brings welcome relief for many. As the nights draw in and the trees change colour, lots of us will soon be looking for a pumpkin to pick and carve for Halloween. With this in mind, here are a few pointers to help you find and carve the perfect pumpkin!
How do you tell if a pumpkin is ready to harvest?
Firstly, it should sound hollow when given a good tap. You also want the pumpkin to be hard, which you can test by pressing your thumbnail into the skin – this should leave a dent, but not a puncture.
To ensure your pumpkin will be easy to carve, choose a large fruit and check the bottom hasn’t gone rotten or soft and look for a smooth surface, without any bruises. Choose one which is deep orange in colour without any green, to ensure it is ripe.
Once you have selected your pumpkin, cut the stem with a knife or secateurs, ensuring you leave three inches of stem. Remember not to use this as a handle as it can bruise the fruit.
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