Is it safe to eat pumpkins grown specifically for carving?
As it is coming up to Halloween, there is an abundance of cheap pumpkins in the shops now. I quite like to eat pumpkin rather than carve them. Are the large round orange pumpkins good to eat are are they just grown (with lots of nasty chemicals/fertilizer) to only be used as carved lanterns? From the outside, the shell seems very hard so maybe they will be quite tough. I would more than likely roast the flesh and use it for soup.
UPDATE
From the two other related questions highlighted by @Jefromi, one referenced this article that states:
"All pumpkins may be eaten, but there is a big difference among varieties. Decorative pumpkins, which American children and patient parents carve just before Halloween, are grown with color, structural strength, a flat bottom, and a sturdy stem as their main attributes. The flesh tends to be bland, watery, and fibrous. No one cares because they're going to be carved and smashed in the street (or disposed of properly)."
So from that I would assume that the decorative pumpkins are not very good to eat.
Best Answer
Safe? Or good to eat? Pesticides usually don't penetrate thick-skinned produce (oranges, etc), so as long as you're not using the skin, there's not a lot to worry about.
They're not the best pumpkins to use for other reasons (linked in comments). In summary, the smaller "sugar" pumpkin is better for cooking, if you have the option.
Pictures about "Is it safe to eat pumpkins grown specifically for carving?"
Why are carving pumpkins not edible?
It's true that carving pumpkins\u2014more formally known as Howden pumpkins\u2014aren't so ideal for cooking. They are stringier and more watery than other smaller, meatier pumpkins that are more traditionally used in recipes.Can all pumpkins be eaten?
At the same time, they ask \u201cAre all varieties of pumpkins are edible?\u201d The plain and simple truth is \u2013 \u2013 Yes, all varieties of pumpkins are edible. Of course, pumpkin seeds are edible, too. Both pumpkin flesh(pulp, or meat) and seeds taste good, and are healthy and nutritious.What pumpkins are not edible?
First, pumpkin is a type of squash and therefore considered a fruit (not a veggie). Pumpkins, as well as other varieties of squash (think winter squash), are edible. Gourds, on the other hand, are not edible. While pumpkin can be used for cooking and decorating, gourds are purely decorative.Can you cook and eat carving pumpkins?
Although typical large carving pumpkins can taste awful, they are edible. It is always best to use "cooking pumpkins" when selecting a pumpkin which you intend to eat. If you are carving it for Halloween before eating, wash it before you cut into it and rinse it again after displaying.Halloween Pumpkin Carving Idea with Brain and Slime!
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.