Make Your Pumpkins Last All Season
There is nothing better than a beautifully carved pumpkin during the fall. There is nothing worse than spending hours carving said pumpkin only to see it rotted out in less than a week… But don’t worry! I have a trick that should help make your pumpkins last much, much longer.
If you’ve ever wanted to preserve a pumpkin, read on for step-by-step instructions (trust me, it’s super easy and shouldn’t take much time). Make your pumpkins last all season to extend the best time of the year (it’s fall, guys. Fall is the best season, no contest).
Pick a Healthy Pumpkin
As you visit your neighborhood pumpkin patch (check out my recommendations on the best pumpkin patches in Colorado) be sure to take your time to pick out a healthy pumpkin. That means one with a firm skin and without too many bumps and bruises.
Carve it Thoroughly
When you’re ready to carve it, be sure to scrap out all the insides guts - seeds and strings. Anything leftover is primed for microbial growth, which will rot your pumpkin even faster. Bonus: roast the pumpkin seeds for a delicious seasonal snack.
Bleach-Soak Secret
Here’s the hack that will truly make your pumpkins last all season: a bleach soak. This technique works great for both whole and carved pumpkins. Wearing a pair of gloves, prepare the soak comprised of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water. Leave your pumpkin soaking for at least an hour, but not for longer than 24-hours. Bleach, an antifungal agent and oxidizer, slows down the natural decomposition process of the pumpkin.
Cool Weather is Best
Once your pumpkins has gone through the bleach-soak wash and is fully dried, be sure to display it in an area that is mostly shaded. Direct afternoon sunlight will rot your pumpkin quickly, and rain will make it mushy. Best case scenario is to keep your pumpkins on a porch or under an awning! And if your pumpkin is looking a little wilted, try soaking it in a tub of cool water overnight to freshen it right up.
