Nothing signals fall like putting up Halloween decorations. Regardless of whether you decorate your front door with colorful flowers or are more of an artificial spider web type, most Halloween and fall decoration lovers agree on one thing: pumpkins are essential. However, the question of how to preserve a Halloween pumpkin is a little trickier. Most people can understand what it's like to buy a pumpkin too early in the season and then have it go moldy by October 31st. While this may add to the spooky spirit of the season, it's not exactly the ideal aesthetic for most people. Luckily, there are several ways to ensure that this fruity vegetable lasts throughout the fall.
How early can you hollow out a pumpkin?
In cooler temperatures, you may be able to carve the pumpkin 4 days before the big day. Just make sure that the fruit vegetables are in the shade and protected from wind if possible.
How long does a carved pumpkin last?
In general, a pumpkin should last 3-5 days after being hollowed out. Additionally, there is no law prohibiting carving more than one pumpkin. Take one for the week before Halloween and anotherfor Halloween nightand the week after!
Preserve Halloween Pumpkin: Prevent it from getting moldy inside and out
Clean the outside of the pumpkin before you start carving. Lightly wash the outside to remove dirt and soil. Then dry any excess moisture from the surface with paper towels.
Prepare the pumpkin and protect it from mold with bleach
- Spray with bleach:
Since the inside of the pumpkin is moist, it will mold very quickly if part of the fruit is left exposed. Clean the surface and interior with one teaspoon of bleach per liter of water. The solution is easier to use in a spray bottleon the whole pumpkinapply. This sterilizes it and kills any bacteria present. Allow it to dry completely before you start carving.
- Soak in a bleach solution for 20 minutes:
Another option is to soak the pumpkins in a bleach solution for about 20 minutes.
Preserve a hollowed out Halloween pumpkin with rubbing alcohol
Spraying with rubbing alcohol can do wonders for keeping pumpkins from rotting, preventing fruit flies, and preventing mold growth.
Floor cleaners are also great preservatives for pumpkins, keeping them shiny and fresh. All you have to do is put a liquid floor cleaner on a damp towel and wipe the fruit with it.
Preserve pumpkin faces and prevent mold with hairspray
Hairsprays are another great sealant that keeps pumpkins from drying out. The sprays act as a barrier against mold growth and at the same time prevent rodents from nibbling on your fruit vegetables.
How to preserve a pumpkin with vegetable oils after carving
Most vegetable oils available on the market, such as olive oil, can be very helpful in preventing a pumpkin from going rotten. Dry the pumpkins completely and use a paper or cloth towel. After that, rub the surface with a small amount of vegetable oil. Use enough oil so that the fruit vegetables look shiny but not greasy.
Preserve Halloween pumpkins with vinegar
Another natural way to preserve pumpkins is to use the ever-popular vinegar. To keep fruit vegetables looking new throughout October, simply fill a large tub with 10 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Allow the pumpkins to soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes, then remove and allow to air dry. Of course, this way the pumpkins won't last forever, but they will look fresher for longer. Plus, it's safe for pets and wildlife.
How to make a hollowed pumpkin fresh again with ice
If you see your pumpkin starting to wilt, place it in an ice bath overnight to freshen it up again. As soon as you take it out, dry it thoroughly to avoid mold growth.
Why you shouldn't use candles in pumpkins
The use of candles in the interior ofcarved pumpkinscan have a negative impact on these as the heat essentially cooks the fruiting vegetables. Instead, try using flickering candles without a flame or glow sticks.
Preserving Halloween Pumpkins: Avoid sunlight
If the pumpkin is left outside, it can rot quickly. Try to keep it as cool as possible. If it's warm outside, you should bring it inside during the day and put it in the fridge (or basement if you have one) to keep it fresh and avoid any soft spots.
What temperatures are bad for pumpkins?
Avoid leaving your pumpkin outside when temperatures are below zero. Ideally, you should place it in a place where the temperature is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. So if you live in an area where frost is expected in October, you should bring your fruiting vegetables indoors every evening.
