With Halloween approaching, enthusiasts of the fall festival will soon be watching frightening movies, trick-or-treating, and carving their favorite pumpkins to commemorate the occasion.
Every year, around 18 million pumpkins are cultivated in the United Kingdom, with more than half of them being used for pumpkin carving or as part of a Halloween display.
However, you must avoid carving your pumpkin too early this year in order to keep it in good shape for the big day.
But how long do carved pumpkins last, and how should you dispose of your pumpkin after Halloween?
Everything you need to know is right here.
How long do pumpkins keep after being carved?
Pumpkins that have not yet been carved can be stored in a well-ventilated area for two to three months.
However, once carved, jack o’lanterns have a limited lifespan.
In general, once carved, pumpkins will survive three to five days, or up to two weeks if you live in a colder climate or store it in the refrigerator between uses.
After this period, the Halloween decoration will begin to degrade, turning dark and mouldy.
How can you extend the life of a pumpkin?
When selecting your Halloween pumpkin, go for one with the brightest orange skin.
The brighter the pumpkin, the firmer the skin, which implies the pumpkin will endure longer after carved.
Check the skin of the pumpkin for flaws or holes, since these might cause the pumpkin to deteriorate faster.
Pumpkin carvers should also keep their Halloween decorations in a dark, dry, and cold place to avoid moisture.
After carving the pumpkin, put diluted lemon juice or Vaseline on any exposed pieces to keep them from decaying.
