The first step to learning how to carve a convincing jack-o’-lantern actually starts at the pumpkin patch (or your local store). Set yourself up for carving success by selecting a pumpkin in its prime. Choose one with an intact stem—the greener the better. “The stem is the lifeline to the pumpkin, providing moisture and nutrients even after it’s been cut from the vine,” says Marc Evan, of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. “A missing stem or one that’s brown and brittle means your pumpkin won’t last as long.” Keep your uncarved pumpkin out of direct sunlight and as cool as possible, and don’t carve it until right before your Halloween party or the big night itself. While an intact pumpkin can easily last a month or more, once you carve it, you’re looking at a life expectancy of as little as three days to maybe three weeks. “It is a piece of fruit,” Evan says. (For maximum longevity, he stores pumpkins—carved or not—wrapped in plastic wrap in a cool basement or refrigerator when not on display.) Here, Evan and expert Tom Nardone of ExtremePumpkins.com offer their simple tips for learning how to carve a pumpkin. See the steps of pumpkin carving below, or scroll to the bottom for a handy visual guide to carving a pumpkin.
How to carve a pumpkin
Ice cream scoop: This tool—sharp on the sides and meant for scraping—is perfect for removing goop. Filet knife: Find a knife with a thin, narrow blade. A wide blade just doesn’t stab through tough parts of the pumpkin as easily. Paring knife: A paring knife is just the right size and shape for carving—the sharper the knife, the easier it’ll be to cut. Lemon zester and vegetable peeler: Use these tools for creative decorative effects and textures. A melon baller can also be used to make eyeballs. If a piece you’ve cut doesn’t pop out, try pushing it in. (You can retrieve it through the entry hole in back.) If it gets stuck, cut it in half. Cut too deeply and a jack-o’-lantern tooth fell out? Use toothpicks to connect stray pumpkin pieces.
