This Halloween, carved pumpkins are sure to adorn your entryways. How long do carved pumpkins really last? And how to extend the life of a carved pumpkin to extend the life of your creative pumpkin?
Carved pumpkins, just like any other vegetables, attract a wide variety of organisms. They become a haven for bugs and flies and are exposed to air and weather influences, which shorten their lifespan. How to extend shelf life carved pumpkins?
How long do carved pumpkins last?
After you cut your pumpkin, you have a maximum of three to five days before it starts to soften and mold. When the inside of a pumpkin is exposed to the elements, it begins to rot. But its decomposition is influenced by a number of factors. Starting with the choice.
Pick pumpkins with the least bumps and blemishes, and we advise you to look for them at nearby farms. During transport, impacts can occur, which shorten its lifespan and promote rotting. Geography and climate also affect how long a pumpkin will last. The colder the climate, the longer your pumpkin will last.
And how to extend the 'lifespan' of a carved pumpkin?
1. Use vegetable oil
Lubricate the pumpkin with vegetable oil (avocado, olive, sesame,...), which retain moisture well. Apply the oil on the outside and inside of the pumpkin, as this will prevent the passage of moisture and drying out.
2. Silica gel
Although air circulation makes it almost impossible for a small bag of silica gel to save a pumpkin from rotting, you won't regret giving it a try. If you have a cat at home, you can use silica from their litter box. Silica gel absorbs moisture, which will prevent rotting and the formation of mold, at least for a few days.
