If you’re already feeling in the Halloween mood and have already bought your pumpkins to decorate the house, you might want to use some storage hacks to help keep them from rotting before the October 31 celebration.
Whether you’ve harvested your own pumpkins or picked one up from the store or the pumpkin patch, knowing how to store them can extend their life significantly.
Fresh pumpkins can thrive at room temperature for about a month and can last even longer—up to three months—if kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment.
Almanac readers also provided tips for carved pumpkins, with one simple yet unusual hack helping preserve them from the inside.
When it comes to pumpkin carving, timing is crucial; a carved pumpkin typically lasts only three to seven days, especially in warm weather.
To enjoy yours longer, consider surface carving or using stencils instead of fully hollowing them out, or you might even opt for painting your pumpkins for a more durable decorative solution.
To maintain freshness, clean the pumpkin’s surface with a vinegar-water solution (mix equal parts) to eliminate any bacteria and fungal spores.
You can also spray the pumpkin daily with this solution for ongoing protection.
To absorb excess moisture, place a packet of silica gel inside the pumpkin, as this will help keep it from rotting so quickly.
If your pumpkin begins to show signs of deterioration, a quick ice bath can help, but avoid repeated temperature changes, as pumpkins do not fare well with fluctuations.
When trying to figure out the best time to harvest a pumpkin, make sure you follow a simple rule of thumb to pick out the right ones.
In addition to its colour, the toughness of a squash’s shell is a key sign of maturity, particularly if you want to store your pumpkin for several months.
To check if your gourd is ripe, gently press your fingernail into the skin. If it leaves a small mark without breaking the surface, that’s an indication that the rind has hardened properly and it’s time to harvest your pumpkin.
A sturdy shell will safeguard the pumpkin from pests and diseases once it’s been picked, allowing it to serve as a spooky decoration for an extended period.
