Can you carve pumpkins on both sides?

While a serrated knife from your kitchen will work, the best tool for carving is one with serrations on both sides (like the ones you can find in pumpkin-carving kits) or you could try a laminate cutting tool. You want to be able to cut a wide round hole into the top (or bottom, or back) smoothly.

What are jack-o-lanterns supposed to scare away?

Jack-o-lantern is the real name for the carved pumpkin. Its glowing face was supposed to scare away evil spirits. You carried it around the edge of your village or let it burn outside your house on Halloween night. In Ireland, Jack-o-lanterns were originally carved out of turnips.

Are jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins the same?

Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins have a thinner shell and typically have less flesh (or pumpkin guts) on the inside. The inside of a carving pumpkin tends to contain more water than pie pumpkins. Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins, also called carving pumpkins, are less fleshy and easier to carve: Thinner shell.

Is it better to keep a jack o lantern inside or outside?

This will prevent the pumpkin from drying out and getting that puckered, shriveled look. Protect the jack-o’-lantern from sun or rain, since one will dry the pumpkin out, while the other will promote the growth of mold. If possible, refrigerate your jack-o’-lantern when it’s not in use.

Is it better to carve pumpkin from top or bottom?

DON’T cut the top of the pumpkin. Cut the bottom instead, which will keep moisture inside the pumpkin longer. In a spiral motion, scrape the inside of the pumpkin until all the strings and seeds are free from the walls. Then it will come out in one drop.

When should I carve my pumpkin?

You want your pumpkin to be in good shape for Halloween, so you probably shouldn’t take this endeavor on too early in the season. In fact, it’s best to wait until you’re one to two weeks out from Halloween before you carve. As soon as you start carving, the clock starts ticking.

Are jack-o-lantern pumpkins good eating?

You probably wouldn’t want to eat these Jack O’Lanterns since they’ve been carved and sitting out. But this variety of pumpkin is perfectly edible and nutritious. Pumpkins of almost any variety have flesh high in fiber and beta carotene.

Why do they call it jack-o-lantern?

In fact, the name, jack-o’-lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.

Why did my jack o lantern mold?

Why does this happen? When a pumpkin is carved, it exposes the insides, making it more susceptible to infection through air flow. The environment — temperature, sunlight, et cetera — can also be a factor in the pumpkin’s quality. Molds are a fungal microorganism that have the potential to live everywhere.

Does Hairspray keep pumpkins from rotting?

Spraying the cut surfaces with hairspray can also slow down the decaying process. Products designed for anti-humidity work really well. Instead of cutting the stem out of the top of the pumpkin to be carved, cut the hole on the bottom of the pumpkin and remove the piece.