Select Pumpkins to Carve

When choosing a pumpkin for carving:

• Examine the rind. It should be firm, uniform in color, and free of cuts, bruises, and blemishes.
• Make sure that the stem doesn’t look brown and dry. And don’t use the stem as a handle, since even a healthy one can break off. Pick up a pumpkin by its base instead.
• Give the pumpkin a knock. A thumping sound means the pumpkin is solid, with no internal defects, rot, or soft spots.