Courtesy of Erica Reitman
Photo: Matej Moderc - Graphic: Erica Reitman
Hi Friends,
With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkin-carving season is almost here. But we think the biggest challenge every year is exactly how to keep your pumpkins from turning into a moldy, mushy mess before Halloween arrives. Well, those days are over; here's How to Clean It, Cut It and More...
While there is no way to completely stop your pumpkin from rotting since the process starts as soon as you cut into it, we’re sharing all the steps you need to take to ensure that your pumpkin lasts as long as possible this season.
1: Pick a Healthy Pumpkin
First, make sure that you start with a fresh and healthy pumpkin. Choose a firm pumpkin with no soft spots and its stem in tact. Starting off with a firm pumpkin means that your carved pumpkin has a good chance of lasting longer.
2: Get Rid of All the Guts
Once you open up the pumpkin to carve it, it’s important that you rid the cavity of the guts. You want to make sure that the inside of your pumpkin is as clean and dry as possible, and that can only happen if you ditch all the pumpkin guts and seeds.
3: Use Petroleum Jelly
To extend the life of your carved fruits, rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the pumpkin to reduce mold and slow decay.
4: Refrigerate Your Pumpkin
If you can, refrigerating your pumpkin each night will go a long way in helping to rehydrate your carved pumpkin (and keep it away from any bugs or critters). This is an especially good idea if you live in a warmer climate. If you try the refrigeration method, spray it down with a homemade peppermint spray first, then put the carved pumpkin in a small garbage bag before putting it in the fridge.
5: Soak Your Pumpkin Overnight
Another method for rehydrating your pumpkin and keeping it fresh is to soak it in water overnight. This is a great method to try if you notice that your pumpkin is starting to fade or wilt. You can fill up a bucket or tub, then put your pumpkin inside overnight for a refreshing bath. If you notice an improvement, you can try to do it again in a day or two. Make sure to use cold water, as hot or warm water can speed up the rotting process. Some people also swear by this method; however, instead of water, they use bleach.
Great tips, right?
Good luck with extending the life of your pumpkin this Halloween...
Happy Halloween!
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Live well,
Yvonne
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