Want to make a Halloween pumpkin? Here's how to do it quickly and easily
Which pumpkin is suitable?
It is best to choose a large, round, orange pumpkin. This variety is also known as the "winter pumpkin" or "common pumpkin." If you cannot find one, a butternut squash or Hokkaido pumpkin are also suitable. When purchasing a pumpkin, look out for damage or bruised spots. These will cause your lantern to rot faster, and that would be a shame!
How do you clean a pumpkin?
- Wash the pumpkin with a sponge and water.
- Using a glass, draw a circle on the back of the pumpkin and cut it out.
- Scoop out the pumpkin flesh using an ice cream scoop.
You no longer need the flesh, but you certainly don't have to throw it away! Tip: You can also reuse the pumpkin seeds. You can roast them using the following recipe: roasting pumpkin seeds.
How do you make a pumpkin lantern?
- Grab a pumpkin.
- Scoop out the inside of the pumpkin with an ice cream scoop.
- Draw a face on the pumpkin with a permanent marker.
- Carefully cut the face out of the pumpkin with a small knife. Gently separate the pieces and scrub the marker off the pumpkin.
- Place a tea light inside the pumpkin and light it with a lighter.
View the step-by-step instructions for a Halloween pumpkin below.
Tip: Do you want fun shapes in your pumpkin? Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
How long can you keep a hollowed-out pumpkin?
When carving a pumpkin for Halloween, you cannot keep the carved pumpkin for very long (about 3 days). Therefore, we recommend making your lantern no more than 3 days before Halloween.
With these tips, you can keep your pumpkin lantern looking good for longer:
- Soak the pumpkin in water for approximately 1 to 2 hours;
- Mix 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of water and rub the outside of the pumpkin;
- Coat the inside of the pumpkin with vegetable oil (or petroleum jelly) to prevent shriveling and deformation;
- Do you want to light up your pumpkin more often? Then use a battery-operated fake candle instead of a real tea light. The heat causes the pumpkin to spoil faster.
Why hollow out a pumpkin during Halloween?
Hollowing out pumpkins during Halloween to make lanterns, known as jack-o'-lanterns, originates from Ireland. Hollowing it out allows a candle to fit inside and prevents the flesh from rotting. Originally, it was intended to ward off evil spirits. Now, it is primarily a fun tradition and decoration.
