Can You Really Tell If a Pumpkin Is Ripe by Knocking on It?
On a brisk autumn afternoon, nothing beats a trip to the pumpkin patch. You can hop on a hayride, wander through a corn maze, sip apple cider, and, most importantly, pick out the perfect pumpkin. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns or whipping up pumpkin pie, choosing one that’s fully ripe makes a difference.
“When it dries out and gets corky, and the little curly tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, the vine is done feeding that pumpkin,”
According to Christopher Snow, founder of Kansas-based Autumn Prairie Pumpkins, an underripe pumpkin can have watery, bland flesh instead of the dense, sweet texture you want for cooking and baking. And if you’re using pumpkins to decorate your porch or mantel, picking them too early can shorten their lifespan, says Luke Marion, founder of seed company MIgardener.
So how can you tell when a pumpkin is ready? One method making the rounds is the pumpkin knock test, which involves tapping the rind and listening for a hollow sound. But can a quick knock really tell you whether a pumpkin is ripe? We asked two growing experts what they think of the test—and which signs are actually worth looking for when you pick out a pumpkin.
What is the Pumpkin Knock Test?
The pumpkin knock test is exactly what it sounds like: You tap on the outside of a pumpkin and listen to the sound it makes. According to the method, a deep, hollow sound suggests that the pumpkin is mature, while a dull thud may mean it still needs more time to ripen.
“An unripe one just thuds, because the flesh is still heavy with water and the rind hasn't hardened up yet,” Snow says.
Does the Pumpkin Knock Test Really Work?
The pumpkin knock test can be useful, but it isn’t foolproof. Pumpkins come in all different shapes, sizes, and varieties, so they won’t all sound the same when you tap them. “All pumpkins have varying rind thicknesses, which gives them a different sound,” Marion explains. Rather than relying on the knock test alone, Snow recommends looking for a few other signs of ripeness, too.
How to Tell If a Pumpkin is Ripe
After giving your pumpkin a knock, use these additional clues to make sure it’s actually ready to pick.
Check the Color
For traditional carving and baking pumpkins, Marion recommends looking for a deep, even orange color with a matte finish. The vine should also be turning brown, though a little green is perfectly fine.
Examine the Texture
Next, check the rind and stem. The rind should feel firm and sturdy, while the stem should be stiff and woody. “When it dries out and gets corky, and the little curly tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, the vine is done feeding that pumpkin,” Snow says.
Try the Fingernail Test
Finally, try pressing your thumbnail firmly into the rind. “The fingernail test is the one I trust most,” Snow says. If your nail easily punctures or dents the skin, the pumpkin likely needs more time to ripen. “Soft spots indicate rot and should be avoided,” Marion adds. If the rind feels hard and resists your thumbnail, that’s a much better sign that your pumpkin is ready to pick.
