Shops are running out of pumpkins just days before Halloween as the country faces a severe shortage of the seasonal veg due to this summer's drought. Even finding one in time for October 31 means it will likely be smaller than usual. For those struggling to find a pumpkin, eight alternative fruits and vegetables were tested to make jack o'lanterns.
Bell pepper
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
TIME TO MAKE: Five minutes
BEST BIT: The shape is quite similar to a pumpkin, so it looks just like a miniature version, especially if you use an orange pepper.
CHALLENGES: It is easy to make an error when carving the face, so you might want to have a few practise runs to get it just right.
TOP TIP: Be sure to choose a pepper that can stand upright on its own.
7/10
Pineapple
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
TIME TO MAKE: 15 minutes
BEST BIT: The pineapple's leaves can make for a really funky hairstyle, so get creative.
CHALLENGES: The flesh is quite difficult to scoop out, and it is not easy to draw on the pineapple's bumpy surface.
TOP TIP: Slice criss-crosses through the fruit before removing the insides, being careful not to cut yourself.
8/10
Watermelon
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
TIME TO MAKE: 15 minutes
BEST BIT: This appears naturally gruesome as the red innards of the watermelon resemble blood and guts. It is also large so easy to carve.
CHALLENGES: Scooping out the watery flesh can get rather messy, so be prepared.
TOP TIP: Make the most of the large surface to draw a spooky face, with exaggerated eyes and mouth.
10/10
Avocado
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Very hard
TIME TO MAKE: Eight minutes
BEST BIT: It looks a bit like a rather spooky glowing slug when completed.
CHALLENGES: The size and thin skin mean it is impossible to end up with a sturdy lantern.
TOP TIP: For ease, scoop out the flesh from one half of the avocado and place it over an LED tea light. Then, carve out your ghost face.
0/10
Orange
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
TIME TO MAKE: Five minutes
BEST BIT: It is the same colour as a pumpkin and the size means it is super cute. It does not take long to carve, either, so you can make a whole family of spooky oranges in no time.
CHALLENGES: It can be difficult to remove all of the pith, and the skin can be quite delicate.
TOP TIP: Gently run it under the tap to get rid of any excess fruit before drying with kitchen towel.
7/10
Turnip
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Hard
TIME TO MAKE: 20 minutes
BEST BIT: The nostalgia value. This is what your grandparents might have used to make a jack o'lantern before American traditions crept in and we started carving pumpkins.
CHALLENGES: The vegetable is very tough so the skin is hard to carve.
TOP TIP: Take it slowly and slice criss-crosses through the insides with a sharp knife before spooning out.
7/10
Apple
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
TIME TO MAKE: Seven minutes
BEST BIT: The contrast between the red skin and the white flesh. It makes it really striking. You probably already have apples at home, too, so will not have to spend any extra.
CHALLENGES: The small size of the apple makes it slightly tricky to draw the facial features.
TOP TIP: Choose the shiniest, brightest apple you can to get the best effect.
8/10
Butternut squash
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Hard
TIME TO MAKE: 20 minutes
BEST BIT: Its rather suggestive shape makes it giggle-worthy as well as spooky.
CHALLENGES: It is hard enough chopping a butternut squash for dinner, let alone carving it.
TOP TIP: Slice off the bottom first before hollowing out the bell shape. The long neck is solid, so draw the face low down, a ghost is the most effective.
9/10
