Preserving Your Carved Pumpkins

For years carving pumpkins have been passed down for generations.  One thing I always have hated is the amount of time you put into carving your pumpkin - and the amount of time that it takes for your pumpkin to rot.

I came across a few ways to preserve your carved pumpkin to make it last longer and I can't wait to try it out this year.

So the intact skin of a pumpkin is what protects it, but when you carve it - various organisms (bacteria, insects, fungi etc), oxygen in the air and dehydration get inside and break it down.

Sterilize the pumpkin to kill off bacteria and seal the surfaces to prevent from drying out.

This simple task will keep it for about a week.

Here's how:

-Remove dirt: wipe the exterior surfaces of the pumpkin clean using a damp cloth
-Make a bleach solution  - 1 tbsp of bleach per quart of water and put it in a spray bottle
-Spray the pumpkin inside and all cut areas of pumpkin with the solution.
-Let it penetrate and dry for about 20 minutes
-Rub all the carved or cut surfaces with petroleum jelly
-Wipe away access with a paper towel

NOTE: try to keep pumpkin out of direct sunlight and try to keep it as cool as possible, but above freezing.

I just grabbed some really awesome pumpkins at Walmart this week for $3.88.  Lowest price for the size of pumpkin I've seen.

Let me know how it goes!