Warty Goblins!).

But thankfully, theres help to be had for picking the right one.

Below, get Andelins top tips for how to choose any pumpkin, whether youre cooking and carving it.

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5 essential tips for how to choose a pumpkin

1.

So, confirm to pick up your pumpkin to assess its weight before committing to one.

Once pumpkins lose their stem, they start to deteriorate.

Broth in Bowl on gray background, healthy food, top view.

Itll start to mold right in that circular spot where the stem was.

Avoid options with signs of frost

Andelin says certain pumpkin varieties have thicker skin and can handle alightfrost.

Areas that freeze during a frost can get damaged and become mushy as the frozen spots thaw out.

Close-up of sliced purple cabbage,

Check the coloring

confirm the pumpkin youre choosing has the appropriate coloring for its variety.

If its meant to be green, you want it to be that nice green, Andelin says.

In fact, some growers even intentionally scar pumpkins to create unique designs on the surface.

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According to Andelin, the best pumpkins for cooking include sugar pie pumpkins, Cinderellas, and Jarrahdales.

And to pick a sugar pie pumpkin with the most flavor, youll want one thats darker.

Think: soups, roasting to serve as a side dish, or even grilling them.

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

This ones really good for pies and soups.

Jarrahdale

Jarrahdales are really good ones for baking down, too, Andelin says.

Not only are these visually stunning pumpkins delicious, but theyre also wonderful for decorating your home.

Frozen beef steaks on brownish packaging paper. Light effect.

The last thing you want is your delightfully spooky jack-o-lantern spontaneously tumbling down the porch steps.

You also might also opt for a pumpkin with a flatter side to make for easier carving.

So much pumpkin, not sure what to make?

Woman shopping in a grocery store with a basket

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