Check out the color of the pumpkin. A pale yellow pumpkin won't keep long. What you want is a deeper orange.
Look for holes, wounds, or scabs on the pumpkin. Small imperfections are ok.
Choose a pumpkin with a green stem. That's a good indicator of its health.
Don't go for mini pumpkins. That's because they're hard to carve. But if you're using them as decorations, go for it!
An odd-looking pumpkin might just be perfect.
(MarthaStewart) Photo: Getty