HALLOWEEN means many of us will be putting pumpkins out ahead of the season.
If you want to keep yours out for longer and get the decorations up earlier, there are a few ways to make sure your pumpkin will last.
How long do pumpkins last?
Pumpkin carving us usually left to a day or two before Halloween, as once decorated they tend to spoil soon after.
If it's kept in a cool area with plenty of circulating air, a whole, fresh pumpkin lasts two to three months.
Once carved, pumpkins will generally last for three to five days — or up to two weeks if you live in a colder climate or keep it in the fridge between uses.
After this time, it will start to show signs of decay and will brown.
Some people opt to paint their pumpkins instead of carving them to ensure their pumpkin lasts for the duration of the spooky Halloween period.
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How can you make your carved pumpkin last longer?
It is possible to help your pumpkin go further this year and it all depends on how you carve it.
Follow the below instructions to give your pumpkin a fighting chance:
- Choose a pumpkin that has is a bright orange colour (if orange) where the skin has hardened
- Ensure the pumpkin doesn’t have any holes or blemishes, which can lead to quicker rotting
- Wash your pumpkin surface with mild chlorine to get rid of any bacteria
- Store in a cool, dry and dark place so it doesn’t become moist
- After carving, make sure your pumpkin has adequate air circulation
- Rub Vaseline or diluted lemon juice on exposed parts to stop them turning brown
- Keep in the fridge when you aren’t in the house
How long should I leave a pumpkin outside for Halloween?
Many people start carving pumpkins weeks before Halloween itself.
But it is probably not wise to leave yours outside your house until closer to the event.
While they last longer in colder climates – and it will certainly be cooler by your front door than in your living room – your carved pumpkin is unlikely to last much longer than a week.
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