Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips
Oct 18, 2021
The spookiest season of the year is near and with the fall harvest comes pumpkins galore!
Pumpkins with ghastly faces illuminated by candles are a popular way to decorate for Halloween. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) is excited to host a virtual pumpkin carving contest via their Facebook page — simply submit your photos via TFC’s Facebook Messenger chat from October 15-22nd, and the winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to their local Co-op! Visit ourcoop.com to learn more and to participate.
As we enter the spookiest season on the year, remember these essential safety tips as you carve pumpkins with family and friends.
Choose a dry, well-lit location
Make sure to choose a dry, well-lit location when you are setting up to carve pumpkins. Clear any objects out of the way so you have plenty of room to work. Also, if your children are helping, make sure they can easily reach the work surface.
Choose the right tools
Choose tools that are age appropriate. Purchase pumpkin carving kits that are especially designed for children. Kits often include scoops, serrated pumpkin saws, and stencil designs for carving. Remember that super sharp knives can get stuck in the pumpkin and be difficult to pull out. Instead, use a serrated pumpkin saw from a carving kit.
Proper technique
Always carve away from the body, not toward the body, in case of a slip. Carve slowly and steadily. Outline your pumpkin design with a stencil to make carving easier. Carve your pumpkin with its top on so you won’t be tempted to put your hand inside and cut toward your hand.
What to do with the pumpkin seeds:
Don’t throw away the pumpkin seeds from your pumpkin. Roast them for a delicious Halloween snack.
For more information or to purchase pumpkins and fall décor, visit your local Co-op.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.
Pumpkins with ghastly faces illuminated by candles are a popular way to decorate for Halloween. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (TFC) is excited to host a virtual pumpkin carving contest via their Facebook page — simply submit your photos via TFC’s Facebook Messenger chat from October 15-22nd, and the winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to their local Co-op! Visit ourcoop.com to learn more and to participate.
As we enter the spookiest season on the year, remember these essential safety tips as you carve pumpkins with family and friends.
Choose a dry, well-lit location
Make sure to choose a dry, well-lit location when you are setting up to carve pumpkins. Clear any objects out of the way so you have plenty of room to work. Also, if your children are helping, make sure they can easily reach the work surface.
Choose the right tools
Choose tools that are age appropriate. Purchase pumpkin carving kits that are especially designed for children. Kits often include scoops, serrated pumpkin saws, and stencil designs for carving. Remember that super sharp knives can get stuck in the pumpkin and be difficult to pull out. Instead, use a serrated pumpkin saw from a carving kit.
Proper technique
Always carve away from the body, not toward the body, in case of a slip. Carve slowly and steadily. Outline your pumpkin design with a stencil to make carving easier. Carve your pumpkin with its top on so you won’t be tempted to put your hand inside and cut toward your hand.
What to do with the pumpkin seeds:
Don’t throw away the pumpkin seeds from your pumpkin. Roast them for a delicious Halloween snack.
For more information or to purchase pumpkins and fall décor, visit your local Co-op.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.