Preserve Whole & Carved Pumpkins!
Happy Fall!
So you want to make your pumpkins last? The first step to pumpkin preservation is determining how fresh your pumpkin are.
Pumpkins picked fresh from the fields need to be “cured” prior to storage. Curing is actually a very simple process – leave your pumpkins in a warm location for two or more weeks in order to fully harden the skin and dry out the stem. This helps pumpkins become impenetrable to diseases and bacteria so they can survive in long-term storage.
Pumpkins should be stored in a cool dry location on a surface with plenty of airflow. For example, a slatted bench is ideal. Storing your pumpkins on concrete or cement will cause them to rot!
Use a solution called Sanidate to wash pumpkins for storage. We recommend those who are picking their own pumpkins wash using water or a fruit and veggie wash to remove any of the dirt and bacteria that may be on them.
Now that you have determined how fresh they are...
Are you carving or decorating?
4 proven methods to preserving carved pumpkins:
Just pick one of these items you might have lying around the house and apply generously to the inside of your pumpkin.
- Pat dry petroleum jelly
- Borax
- Castile soap
- Acrylic spray
A quick coat of spray matte sealer on the outside of your pumpkin helps preserve them even longer.
- How to Preserve Pumpkins & Gourds
- Prepare a mixture of bleach, water and dish soap.
- (One gallon water, 2 tablespoons bleach, and a squirt of dish soap.)
- Soak real gourds for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Use a tub or even your kitchen sink.
- Rinse and dry well.
- Before adding to your decor, it’s optional to give your pumpkins a quick coat of spray matte sealer. It helps preserve them even longer.
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