Nothing represents Halloween like a Jack-O-Lantern! Decorating and carving the pumpkin is a great activity and also you can teach your children how to handle utensils in a safe manner. After carving you want it to last as long as possible to continue to enjoy the season. The biggest concerns in keeping pumpkins are preserving moisture loss and preventing pathogens for as long as possible. There are a few steps that we can take at home to aid in our quest to preserve our pumpkin décor for as long as possible.
· After purchasing your pumpkin wash it in a 10% bleach solution before carving (9-parts water to 1-part chlorine bleach)
· Make sure the pumpkin is completely dry before carving
· Handle the pumpkin as little and as gingerly as possible
· Cut a hole in the rear of the fruit as small as is necessary, instead of the top
· Remove all of the guts and dry the inside of the pumpkin
· Once the pumpkin is carved, submerge in a 10% bleach solution for 24 hours, dry completely
· Seal the cuts with Vaseline or vegetable oil to prevent moisture loss (caution, these products are flammable, do not use a real candle)
· Place the pumpkin in a protected area away from direct sun, rain, and frost
· Use a glow stick or an electric candle to light. Candles create heat, shortening shelf-life
· Using a spray bottle, spray your creation down with the 10% bleach solution every day
If you employ all of these, your pumpkin should last between 8 and 11 days so do not carve too soon! If you paint or use markers to decorate your pumpkin it will last much longer. Enjoy your Jack-O-Lantern and have a safe Halloween!
