Size Matters – 2016 Pumpkin Crop May Be Smaller – Ag Matters

2016's lack of rain spelled disaster for lots of CNY crops. Remember apples? So what's the effect on pumpkins? Cornell Cooperative Extension says great quality but smaller in size.  Read more for details on how to pick the best one.

Steve Reiners, professor of horticulture at Cornell University and pumpkin expert says "pumpkins tend to be very deep rooted and were able to find water better than some other plants. But even with that advantage, some fields were stressed and we see that the size of the pumpkins may be a little smaller this year."

There is one bonus to dry conditions it prevents disease which means good quality and color.  Here's some tips on choosing the perfect pumpkin:

• Look for ones that have a nice sturdy stem. A soft stem could indicate a pumpkin prone to rotting.
• Hard bruises that have callused over are usually okay, but stay away from fruits that have soft spots.
• A pumpkin will continue to ripen once harvested, so it’s fine to choose one that is not fully ripe.

Reiners also suggests buying from local growers, as "Yields for other crops have been reduced by drought and farmers are counting on pumpkin sales to help them get through a difficult year."

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension