Carving a crooked, toothy grin into a jack-o'-lantern is what nostalgic fall bucket list activities are made of. It's also unbelievably sticky, a nightmare to clean up, and the bicep workout of the century. Needless to say, I'm ready to kick that family custom to the curb when my "masterpiece" starts sagging well before October 31st.
While pumpkins are not indestructible, they should be able to withstand some time without completely collapsing. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, both store-bought and freshly harvested pumpkins can last up to a month at room temperature and up to three months if stored in a cool, dark, and dry place (spooky, right?).
But of course, we're not treating our pumpkins with the same care and attention as a farmer might. We're hacking, gutting, and carving their insides out purely for our visual entertainment with little regard for the vegetable's longevity. That means that we need a few extra tricks up our sleeves to keep our pumpkins from turning into a slimy pile of mush before Halloween.
So, if you want your pumpkin to make it through the season without rotting, here are 10 tips from The Old Farmer's Almanac that will keep your squash looking spooktacular for weeks to come.
Pick pumpkins with a solid stem
Preventing premature pumpkin rot starts with your ability to pick 'em. While signs like a deep (and solid) color and a hard shell are essential, it's not the only thing you should be eyeing. Steering clear of pumpkins with brittle or weak stems will ensure that they're less likely to crumble before the big night.
Check for any soft spots
Another mark of a healthy pumpkin? No soft spots. Feel around the circumference of the pumpkin as well as underneath it on the opposite side of the stem. If any areas give under your finger's pressure—even if it's just your fingernail—put the pumpkin back. It's on its way out.
Give it a wash
You might not think about giving your pumpkin a good rinse before carving, but it's worth it. A quick dip in a solution of cool water and soap will help eliminate bacteria that would otherwise spoil your squash before you've even had time to show off your work.
Submerge it in a bleach bath
If you're really worried about bacteria, consider a bleach bath. A 10% bleach solution can prevent your pumpkin from growing mold and spoiling prematurely. Keep it submerged in the solution for eight hours before carving to ensure it's completely sanitized.
Don't carve too early
We're all eager to break out that carving knife the moment we get home from the patch. But a little patience can go a long way in preserving your pumpkin. If you carve too early, the exposed flesh is more susceptible to bacteria and rot. Wait until at least a week before Halloween to start carving.
Scrape out all of the seeds (and the flesh)
Pumpkins are 90% water, and that water is a breeding ground for bacteria. So, when you carve into your pumpkin, make sure to scrape out all of the seeds and stringy flesh from the inside. This will slow down the microbial growth responsible for turning your pumpkin into a pile of goo.
Line the inside with petroleum jelly
Here's an old trick that can help preserve your pumpkin longer: coat the inside edges and exposed flesh with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This will create a barrier that prevents moisture loss and slows down the decay process. Just make sure to avoid using any real candles inside your jack-o-lantern, as petroleum jelly is highly flammable.
Opt for battery-powered candles
Even if you don't use petroleum jelly, avoiding an open flame inside your pumpkin is a smart move. The heat and moisture from real candles can speed up the rotting process, so opt for battery-powered ones instead. Plus, they're much safer and won't pose a fire hazard.
Wipe it down with vinegar
To keep your pumpkin looking as fresh and festive as can be post-carving, spray it daily with a vinegar-water solution. Combining one part vinegar and one part water will help kill any bacteria and mold that may be trying to take over your pumpkin.
Keep it out of the sun
And finally, if you can, keep your pumpkin out of direct sunlight. Sun exposure can dry out and damage the exterior of the pumpkin, making it more prone to rot. If you live in a warm climate, bring it into the A/C during the day, or at least find a shady spot for it to chill until showtime.
So, follow these tips and tricks, and you'll be well on your way to keeping your pumpkin fresh and fierce until the spookiest night of the year—and maybe even a day or two longer.
