Is there something that can be done to keep a carved pumpkin from 'curling in' & rotting as long as possible?

Question

I am guessing there may be some trick to keep them looking presentable longer - does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Question:

Can you tell me what to use to preserve a craved pumpkin so it will last longer like a week or so? Thanks - Hank Olewnik (10/24/01)


Answers:

The reasons a carved pumpkin decays or rots sooner than a uncarved pumpkin are:

Other organisms (fungi, bacteria, protozoans, insects, etc.) can now enter easily and steal the stored up high energy molecules of the pumpkin. This process is called rotting.

Oxygen can easily enter and cause oxidation.

Dehydration will begin when the pumpkin is carved. Low humidity.

Light can now enter as well as dust and other particles.

Tips to help prevent early decaying:

Rub vegetable oil or petroleum jelly onto freshly cut areas to delay aging. After carving your pumpkin, wipe the inside with bleach to deter the growth of mould. After 30 minutes, rub the cut areas and the inside with a dry cloth, then coat with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. To keep the jack-o’-lantern from drying out, cover it with a damp towel when it’s not on display.

If you have a spare refrigerator, you can empty it out and keep them in it over night to slow down decomposition.

Another way to keep them fresh is to use a pumpkin dip that is available at most grocery stores or stands that sell pumpkins during the Halloween season. Pumpkin dip is mixed with water in a large container and the pumpkins are submerged in it, sometimes over night, in order to preserve them. This is a tedious and messy way to keep your pumpkins fresh as you have to do it every night after they have been carved.

If all else fails and you still find your carving starting to shrivel, submerse the pumpkin in cold water to rehydrate the carving. It should soak anywhere from about 1/2 an hour to 2 hours, depending the amount of shriveling that has occurred and the intricacy of the carving.

Realistically speaking, you should be able to get anywhere from 4 to 7 days out of your carved Jack O'Lantern.

Answer 2

Try rubbing vaseline on the edges where you've carved it. This will definitely help it from curling in. Also, when not using it, wrap it in cling film and place it in the fridge. It will stay good for an extra few days. I always start carving about a week before my party and this is how I keep them good for the party. Happy Halloween!

Answer 3

Pumpkin Masters says to coat the sides with petroleum jelly and shop it interior the refrigerator while no longer on exhibit. If it receives dried out fill the bathtub or super bucket with sufficient chilly water to cover and enable it soak. the final thank you to make it final isn't carving to early! I do mine, reckoning on what i visit carve, 2 days in the previous Halloween max, and that i do no longer use candles. I placed certainly one of those "faucet lighting fixtures" works extra powerful than a candle and could no longer dry the pumpkin or seize it on fire! lol

Answer 4

I've heard that hosing the carved pumpkin down with shellac and letting it dry for a couple days before Halloween helps. Let it dry thoroughly for those couple days, then put the candle in.

I haven't even bought our pumpkin yet. I should do that tomorrow.

Answer 5

You have to keep it outside. The cool air keeps it good if you live in a hot area of the world then I would suggest the fridge.

Answer 6

Yes, coat every carved surface with vasolene (petroleum jelly). Grease it around the eye-holes, the lid, etc....Really works!

Answer 7

Lemon juice on all of the carved edges.

Answer 8

You could try keeping it in the fridge when you are not using it, it may help.