Best time to carve pumpkins so they don’t rot on Halloween

It’s officially pumpkin season! And you know what that means. If you’re a suburban parent, you can’t just go to the Pumpkin Patch to enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, apple cider donuts, and pay. sleep for $117 Pumpkins running across a huge fieldyou’ll also be wondering: when can you carve these bad boys to enjoy your jack-o’-lantern to the fullest without rotting in your stoop before the big day?? Let’s check.

How long do uncarved pumpkins last?

First, think about how long a pumpkin can stay nutritious without being carved.and what that is What are those conditions?

First, never forget pumpkins. is a fruit While its tough, chunky exterior may indicate imperviousness and endurance, it is actually a humble member of the winter squash family and grows best in cool, shady conditions.according to Oregon State University According to gardeners, the ideal storage temperature for pumpkins is between 50 and 55.°FProlonged rains, excessive humidity, heat and frost can all adversely affect a pumpkin’s longevity.

So if you live in the warm, humid Deep South where temperatures can stay in the 80s until October, or if you live in a damp or cold climate, leaving it on your balcony for a month can quickly to death.Similarly, place them on your kitchen table and turn the heat up to 74 degrees. can retain moisture and accelerate spoilage).

What is the expiration date of the cut pumpkin and when to buy it?

figuratively? Carved pumpkins last about 1 second. Literally, in average conditions, a Jaco-Lantern can keep her healthy for 3-5 days. in the best conditions, probably A week or a little longer. While it’s certainly tempting to smash your Sharpie, stencils, and carving tools the minute a ghost or skeleton walks up your front door, your best bet is to delay carving pumpkins for as long as possible.optimally up to a few days (or of Sun) Before Halloween.

So when should you buy a decorative orange gourd? Some die-hard fall fans may be hitting stores in September. 1, this is not wise.as Mark Evan maniac pumpkin carvers Said real simpleThe best time to buy a pumpkin is within a week of when you plan to carve it. Some dry, brittle stems should also be noted. Instead, look for fresh green stems that are about 3 to 5 inches long. “

How to extend the life of your pumpkin

In addition to storing in a cool, dry place and delaying engraving until next time, no more Three days before Halloween, when you first bring the pumpkin home, it helps to “soak” the pumpkin in cool water to wash away farm bacteria. Spraying them with vinegar and dabbing them dry will aid the cleaning process (and may add an extra layer of protection against sneaky, toothy squirrels). Wiping with a towel afterward may slow down decomposition. Mini pumpkins last 6-12 months.)

After the carving is finished, apply peppermint.according to Metro“Once you scoop out the insides of the pumpkin, spray the inside with peppermint dishwashing liquid because peppermint has anti-fungal properties and slows down the decomposition of the pumpkin.”