Baker stated that one can decorate the pumpkins without cutting them so they can be eaten as food. The decorations can be attached to the pumpkin’s outside without puncturing its skin.
Emilie Berner, chef-instructor of the Institute of Culinary Education, says: “I would recommend that they either get a smaller (less wasteful) pumpkin or not carve it and instead decorate it with paints and stickers, pom poms, etc.” She also advises you to remove all paints and glitter before cooking and to avoid dragging your knife through it as you work with it.
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, if you decide to change your pumpkin’s decoration this year in order to eat it instead, you should rinse it thoroughly with water prior to cooking. Detwiler stated that “Pumpkins can be associated with soil contamination and irrigation problems due to their proximity to animals.” The main factors that put them in the “danger category” are improper cleaning and not washing hands.
Pumpkins that are carved for eating are not the best.
Even though pumpkins can be eaten, they don’t always have the best taste or texture.
Emilie Berner, chef-instructor of the Institute of Culinary Education, says: “I would recommend that they either get a smaller (less wasteful) pumpkin or not carve it and instead decorate it with paints and stickers, pom poms, etc.” She also advises you to remove all paints and glitter before cooking and to avoid dragging your knife through it as you work with it.
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, if you decide to change your pumpkin’s decoration this year in order to eat it instead, you should rinse it thoroughly with water prior to cooking. Detwiler stated that “Pumpkins can be associated with soil contamination and irrigation problems due to their proximity to animals.” The main factors that put them in the “danger category” are improper cleaning and not washing hands.