Preserving a carved pumpkin?

Question

I read online today that you can use vegetable oil to make a carved pumpkin last longer. After covering the pumpkin in oil I wondered if it would still be safe to put a candle in it Anyone know?

Answer 1

I put about a tablespoon of chlorine bleach (scientifically known as "one glug") to a liter/quart of water, and rinse the pumpkin out. It will last about a week with this treatment in dry weather.

The oil sounds like it would work. As long as it's not dripping in oil, it shoudn't be any more of a fire hazard -- just make sure your pumpkin is outside, and you can keep an eye on it during the night. I use those low-burning tea candles, usually.

Answer 2

According to www.extremepumpkins.com

this is how you preserve a pumkin!

A few simple techniques will have your pumpkin lasting like Walt Disney. You already have many of the best preservation products lying around the house.

I read a few websites that said you should coat the cut surface with Vaseline or you can use something called "Pumpkin Preserver" that you buy at the halloween store.

I doubt it will surprise you if I told you I don't do either of those things.

For one thing, I hope to get through my entire life without covering anything with Vaseline. Second, I am not making a special trip to a store for something called Pumpkin Preserver. I don't have time for that crap.

I spray the crap out of the pumpkin with WD-40. It seems like it is similar to Vaseline. Petroleum right? It is clear and I already have a can of it. Usually that can is within 10 steps of where I am carving a pumpkin. Best of all, it works.

Actually, I don't even use name brand WD-40, I use the dollar store variety. I especially like the name "Spra Loos". That is a sweet name.

People keep writing me and asking if this really works and/or if it is dangerous. The answer is yes it does really work. You spray the entire pumpkin inside and out and it will prevent rotting for a while. Keep in mind that a pumpkin will usually start to rot in about 3 days of cool (70 degree) weather and less in hot weather so don't carve those pumpkins too early.

Also, some folks seem to think that WD40 will combust violently when they put a tealight candle in the pumpkin. To them I say nope! The oil in WD40 is flamable indeed but it really will only combust when it is vaporized. Once it is on the surface of the pumpkin it won't light. Trust me, I've tried to light a pumpkin on fire in a number of ways. Just don't spray the WD40 on the pumpkin while the candle is burning.

Answer 3

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.

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.

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Answer 4

keep the pumpkin refridgerated as well. it helps alot