This Is the Best Method to Preserve a Carved Pumpkin: Here's How to Treat It Before Carving

This Is the Best Method to Preserve a Carved Pumpkin: Here's How to Treat It Before Carving

With Halloween approaching, it's important to find a way to make your carved pumpkin last as long as possible.

One of the most popular activities of pumpkin season is carving pumpkins. It's a fun way to get creative with the large pumpkin you bought, but after carving, you'd want the decoration to last. There's a method that can help preserve pumpkins well.

Among Halloween decorations, the jack-o'-lantern holds the top spot. Both kids and adults love pumpkin carving, and everyone hopes their carved pumpkins will remain a beautiful decoration for as long as possible. There are many preservation methods you can find online, but one in particular will help the pumpkin retain its shape and texture for a long time.

The secret lies in two steps. First, use bleach to thoroughly wash the pumpkin's exterior before carving. This kills off bacteria, which otherwise make their way inside the pumpkin after carving and cause it to rot.

After carving, when your pumpkin is finished, make sure to coat both the inside and outside with petroleum jelly. This prevents the pumpkin from drying out by sealing in moisture. It also helps stop mold spores from settling on the pumpkin.

Another way of extending your pumpkins lifespan, keep it in a cool spot when not on display, as direct sunlight and warm temperatures can accelerate rotting. If it starts to dry out, a quick soak in cold water can rehydrate it. Using battery operated LED lights instead of candles also reduces heat and helps preserve it longer.

Some people recommend washing with dish soap or rubbing it with oil, which can also work, but the longest lasting pumpkins will be the ones washed with bleach and treated with petroleum jelly afterwards.

Instead of wasting the pumpkin insides, you can put them to good use in several ways! The seeds can be roasted for a tasty and healthy snack, just clean them, toss with oil and your favorite seasoning, and bake. The stringy pulp can be blended into soups or broths for added flavor and nutrition, or composted to enrich your garden soil. Even the flesh you carve out can be used in baking pies, muffins, or pumpkin bread, so nothing goes to waste!