Whether round, smooth, oval or ribbed — picking the right pumpkin can be a challenge. As Halloween approaches, it’s time to carve and display a masterpiece.

How do you choose the right one when there are so many varieties from which to choose? There are different pumpkins for every purpose, but all should have the same general characteristics, said Dick DeMoss of DeMoss Pumpkin Farm, 51428 170 St.

DeMoss said a good pumpkin will have a dry, well-attached stem, will be heavier than it looks, have a good color, sit level on a flat surface and most importantly, is solid and feels hard.

A pumpkin lacking a stem may let air into the pumpkin and allow it to spoil more rapidly.

“Pumpkins should be purchased no sooner than October first,” DeMoss said. “[Pumpkins should] typically last about 30 days.

The shape chosen is a matter of personal preference and may vary with the vision of the final product.

“Some people want an unusual shape to make a character,” DeMoss said.

Norine Black is the owner of Black’s Heritage Farm, 26156 530th Avenue.

“We try to match pumpkins to people,” Black said.

Jack-o’-lanterns

For carving, jack-o’-lantern pumpkins are ideal. They have thinner walls than other pumpkins, which make them easier to cut. Because the skin is translucent, light from a candle inside shines through the skin.

“The Howden variety is what we primarily grow,” DeMoss said. “All around, it’s a good pumpkin.”

Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins are easy to identify by their generally round, larger stature and ribs.

“The ribs hold the pumpkin up,” DeMoss said.

Smaller pumpkins don’t need the ribs because they have less mass, he said.

Pie Pumpkins

Although jack-o’-lantern pumpkins are the most popular for carving, some people choose smaller pie pumpkins instead.

“[Pie pumpkins] are designed for cooking but still work for carving,” Black said.

Less stringy than their jack-o’-lantern counterparts, pie pumpkins have more meat.

When selecting your pie pumpkin, if you plan to make pie, you want to select a pumpkin that is dark in color, DeMoss said. The color of the pumpkin you select will be the color of your pie.

A bright orange pumpkin will result in a bright orange pie — it’s better to use a darker pumpkin so you don’t scare your guests, DeMoss said.

Miniature Pumpkins

Miniature pumpkins are generally used for decoration, DeMoss said. There are many miniatures to choose from including the orange mini, white mini, and tiger baby varieties. These pumpkins may be painted or made into elaborate displays.

Giant Pumpkins

“Giant pumpkins” are really not pumpkins at all.

“Actually, they are a squash,” DeMoss said.

Finding these giants can be quite a task.

“We can get giant pumpkins,” said Kurt Johnson, produce manager at the West Ames Hy-Vee, 3800 West Lincoln Way.

Johnson said giant pumpkins are ordered through Eat Iowa, which sells Iowa produce. They range in price, but the average is about $30-$40 a pumpkin.

Painting Pumpkins

Painting pumpkins are characterized by their smooth surfaces and smaller stature.

“Genetically, [seed companies] can make pumpkins that are smooth,” DeMoss said. “These are ideal for painting because the paint goes on smoothly.”

Carving Your Pumpkin

There are many options available for carving your pumpkin, including patterns and kits. Sometimes patterns are included in kits, but they can also be found via the Internet. When carving, it’s a good idea to invest in either a sharp knife or a kit.

Johnson said purchasing a knife that bends well will work best. This is because the knife bends to create smoother curves when carving.

First, cut the top off the pumpkin and empty out the seeds and pulp. Then draw the design directly on the pumpkin and carve.

A carved pumpkin should last about two weeks, DeMoss said.

Storage

If stored out of the sun and in a cool, dry place, the pumpkin will keep well. However, if the temperature drops, bring the pumpkin inside or put it in a garage to ensure the pumpkin doesn’t spoil.

Generally pumpkins can withstand two days at 28 degrees, but after that they will soften DeMoss said.

“The greener the pumpkin, the more water it contains and the faster it will freeze,” he said.

Disposal

After Halloween you should dispose of your pumpkin promptly to avoid the pungent smell of a rotting gourd.

“We feed them to our sheep,” Black said.