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T R ICK S & T R E ATS
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O CTO B ER 26, 2017
TH E O NTA R I O N
What makes the perfect pumpkin? |
J O R DA N T E R P S T R A
THE PUMPKIN is an iconic symbol of October: a staple of all things fall and at the forefront of much-loved holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween. Aside from pumpkin spice-flavoured everything, pumpkins are well known for their versatility as jack-o’-lanterns and pies. It wouldn’t be fall without the pumpkin. But what makes the perfect pumpkin? You get a pumpkin, and you get a pumpkin
According to the 2011 Census of Agriculture, 2,239 farms in Canada had a pumpkin patch. With an average of three to four pumpkins per single plant, that’s a whole lot of Canadian pumpkins. There are dozens of different varieties of pumpkins, so the answer to perfection isn’t an easy one. It boils down to the purpose of the pumpkin. “I always look for one that is large enough to carve a good face into,” explains Martin Straathof, a University of Guelph employee. “It needs to be perfectly symmetrical with a large stem, to allow for an easy removable lid.” The pumpkins Gryphons use for carving have been well-selected to ensure for perfect carving conditions. Typically jack-o’-lantern pumpkins have a thinner shell, less “guts” inside, and contain more water than their pie-making cousins. Pie pumpkins are usually much smaller, with plenty of flesh and “guts” for baking. They are a lot pulpier and have a sweeter flesh on the inside.
It is a joy to pick the perfect pumpkin to carve right out of the patch each October. | PHOTO BY JORDAN TERPSTRA
Pumpkins of Halloween past
In the past, the perfect pumpkin wasn’t even a pumpkin. In the 19th century, it was turnips that were hollowed out and carved with scary faces. The tradition of jack-o’-lantern carving is thought to have come to North America from Ireland. Varying origin stories exist. One states that the jack-o’-lantern is the wandering
spirit of a blacksmith named Jack. The story goes that he was too evil to get into heaven, but also banished from hell. He scoops glowing coal into the vegetable he has eaten and uses it to light his way as he wanders the Earth. Perhaps the spirit of Jack enjoyed a plethora of vegetables, which explains the transition from turnips to pumpkins.
Beauty is in the eye of the carver
“I think the most imperfect pumpkins are perfect,” says Emma Puckering, an animal biology student. “All of their quirks and imperfections make them better.” It turns out there is no one perfect pumpkin; the answer will always vary depending on who you ask. “I’m all about colour,” states
Hannah’s super awesome chocolate bar review | SOMETIMES life’s simplest decisions, like deciding on the perfect chocolate bar to curb your anxious cravings, can also be the toughest. These handy tips and reviews will help you power through the indecision. STEP 1: Determine your hunger level
Chocolate bars are available in traditional, bite, and fun sizes. STEP 2: Con sider dietary n e e d s
Allergic to nuts? Lactose intolerant? Gluten-free? Vegan? Vegetarian? Or just an overall healthy person? There’s a perfect chocolate bar for everybody! STEP 3: Indulge in your favou ri te m outh -waterin g tre at s
Grace Thornton, a wildlife biology and conservation student. “No matter the purpose, my pumpkins always need to be the classic deep orange.” Let this be a lesson to all Gryphons: although some pumpkins are better suited to one job over another, no matter the shape, size, or colour, all pumpkins are perfect in their own way.
HANNAH RUUTH
Nu t s for n u t s !
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Smooth peanut butter coated in delectably fine chocolate. All in the size of your palm. If you love candy shells, Reese’s Pieces are a delicious alternative. Almond Joy: Creamy shredded coconut filling, topped with whole almonds and coated in chocolate. C raz y for c aram e l
Rolo: The soft chocolate shell protects the silky caramel. Although few people hand out these treats during Halloween, you can buy a large package of bite-size Rolos to share with a group of friends. Twix: A cookie bar covered in a layer of caramel and coated in chocolate. Mars: Malt nougat, topped with caramel and coated in milk chocolate. C an’ t d e c i d e bet we e n c h ocol ate or co o k ie s ?
Try a new treat this Halloween. | PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Hershey’s Cookies ’n’ Creme: White chocolate with chocolate cookie bits allow for an exceptional compromise. Kit Kat: There’s nothing more satisfying than the snap when you break the crunchy wafer in two — except biting into the beautiful chocolate covered wafer.
M y favo u ri te
Cadbury’s milk chocolate bar with Crunchie bites. The pure chocolat e, complement ed by sweet toffee bites, melts in your mouth. This unique chocolate bar is only available at select Sobey’s in Canada and in Europe.
If you have special dietary needs, I suggest Purdy’s Chocolatier. They have a location in Stone Road Mall that sells vegan chocolate, and will be able to advise you on gluten-free and dark chocolate options as well.