Choosing the right pumpkins from local pumpkin patches is important. It’s the time of year when we begin to think of spiced teas, autumn night skies and pumpkins. Pumpkin spiced muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin pies are being made in kitchens throughout the area, but where do we go to get just the right pumpkin?
Before we get into where you’ll go to find that perfect pumpkin, let’s talk a bit about choosing the right one to fit your needs. The type of pumpkin you need is going to vary depending on the purpose. Choosing a carving pumpkin to make your mom’s classic pumpkin pie might turn out disappointing. Likewise, choosing a pumpkin that’s meant for baking pies might make for a bad carving experience.
Painting pumpkins has become a favorite craft activity for children. Good varieties for painting include Lumina and Orange Smoothie. The outside of the pumpkin is smooth, and they have shallow ribbing. This makes for a perfect painting surface.
Many people decorate with pumpkins this time of year. Pumpkins come in a surprising array of colors that can make an appealing display in front of any business or home. Cinderella, Sunshine and Turban pumpkins are bright orange. Orange Magic and Jack-O-Lanterns are the traditional orange color that most people think of when choosing a pumpkin. White pumpkins add a bit of variety and Cotton Candy, Full Moon and Baby Boo are good choices.
Popular pumpkins that people use in pies are Cinderella and Sugar Pie pumpkins. The skins on these pumpkins are thinner and the flesh is finer and sweeter than a carving pumpkin. You’ll be pleased with the results because the consistency of the flesh is dry, as well.
Now, we get to the pumpkins needed for carving. Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins are the best for carving because of their thicker skin that can stand the carving process. The hollow insides make perfect places for candles. This variety of pumpkin was specifically created for carving.
Choosing the right Jack-O-Lantern is a key to making the carving experience a fun and enjoyable memory. Follow these tips when choosing your pumpkin:
- Sit the pumpkin on a flat surface. Make sure that it will sit flat after it’s carved.
- Pick a pumpkin that is heavy and firm.
- Check for open places, mold and other imperfections that indicate damage.
- Make sure the stem is sturdy and well attached.
- Choose one that is consistently colored.
- Be sure to get one suited to the size of the carver if the carver is a child.
- If this is your first time carving a pumpkin, grab a second one… just in case.
Alright! We have set some guidelines for finding the right pumpkin for our needs. It’s time to find a place to pick up that pumpkin from one of the local pumpkin patches. We could drop in to the local supermarket and see what they have, but what’s the fun in that? Take some time to visit a pumpkin patch for the ultimate autumn experience.
Madisonville – St. Anselm Catholic Church is located at 306 St. Mary Street and is open daily until October 31st from 9L00 AM – 6:00 PM. There is no admission fee. There are pumpkins of all sizes. Mark your calendar for October 19th and visit the Family Fun Day. Costumes are encouraged that day. There will be music, games and a bounce house for children.
Montz – Perrilloux’s Pumpkin Patch is located at 17834 River Road. They are open weekends from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Appointments can be made for visits during the weekdays. They have over 20 years’ experience in growing pumpkins. So, you are sure to find the perfect one. Both adults and children enjoy visiting this pumpkin patch and seeing first hand where their pumpkin was raised. Admission price is $7.00 per person and includes a pumpkin and a hay ride.
Hammond – Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch is located at 11215 Lee’s Lane and is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Endless fun awaits you at this pumpkin patch! This is not just a place to pick up a pumpkin; this is an experience that will create memories. They have a zip line, jumping pillow, tunnel slide, hay maze, and merry-go-round. They have duck racing, hill rolling, face painting, and games of horse shoes. You might even catch Mrs. Heather telling the story of how pumpkins grow. On weekends, you can paint your own pumpkin. Admission is $7.00 per child.
The Mixon Team is pleased to bring you information on local events and attractions. As your friends in real estate, we enjoy being your neighbors and an active part of our communities.
Contact Jamie Mixon if you are interested in buying a New Orleans home for sale: 985-277-1063.
