Carve a pumpkin: How to do it

Step 1: Cut out the lid

First, cut a lid out of the top end of the pumpkin. You can use a Hokkaido or a giant pumpkin. To prevent the lid from falling into the pumpkin later, pierce the vegetable from above at a slight angle. Then cut the lid into a round or square shape.

Step 2: Hollow out the pumpkin

It is best to use a sturdy tablespoon to scoop out as much as you need until the pumpkin is only one to two centimetres thick. Tip: Don't throw away the flesh and seeds - you can use both in the kitchen and make a delicious pumpkin soup and roast the pumpkin seeds, for example.

Step 3: Carve the pumpkin

A scary grimace, a funny face or a pattern: what do you want the pumpkin to look like later? The easiest way is to draw the pattern on with a pencil first. Or you can cut out templates, stick them onto the pumpkin and cut out the pattern accordingly.

It is best to use a large knife to cut out the contours, then use a small kitchen knife or a carpet knife for the eyes, teeth or other details. Be careful and never let children do the work, as they can slip with the knife and injure themselves.