With a pumpkin shortage possible this year, experts have suggested a number of other fruits and veg that can be carved this Halloween instead
With UK headlines suggesting there could be fewer pumpkins this Halloween due to supply issues and poor weather for crops, some families are already looking for alternatives to carve this spooky season.
Fewer pumpkins in shops could also raise the prices even further, meaning that even if you do find a shop with some in stock, it may still be a better option to look for something cheaper.
Chris Bonnett, founder of online garden centre Gardening Express says regardless of whether or not these reports come to pass, now is a good time to consider other creative ways to enjoy a memorable and spooky Halloween.
He commented: “Due to a shortage of pumpkins this year, people might want to explore alternative ways to decorate their homes and gardens this Halloween.
“It’s interesting to note that back in the 19th century, it was actually turnips that were often hollowed out and carved with spooky faces to mark the occasion. Nowadays, a variety of other fruits and vegetables can be used alongside pumpkins to create unique and diverse Halloween displays.
“Regardless of what you’re carving, remember to always be cautious when using sharp tools and ensure children are closely supervised by an adult during the process.”
Here are five alternative fruits and vegetables to carve this Halloween:
Pineapple
Pineapples can make scary faces which compete with pumpkins when carved and lit up from the inside. And with the green leaves on top even adding more to the horror look, you may potentially outdo your neighbours with their more traditional pumpkins.
Peppers
Somewhat easier than carving a pumpkin, peppers require very little scooping and scraping necessary to hollow out, and although they may typically be smaller that the average pumpkin they can still be made to look quite spooky when placed on your porch.
Watermelons
Watermelons are a particularly great option due to being a similar size to a pumpkin. These fruits can make effective decorations with their ghoulish green exterior and pinky red insides signalling gore!
Squashes
Squashes can be carved using the same technique as a pumpkin and the variety of sizes, shapes and colours are sure to thrill passing trick-or-treaters.
Turnips
Turnips are actually the original carved decoration, with roots in early European folklore from long before pumpkin carving became popular. Recreate and celebrate the past by turning your humble turnip into a Jack-o’-lantern this year.
