Pumpkin Care Guide

Selecting Your Pumpkin

•   Tough Rind: A good pumpkin should have a firm rind. Test it by trying to puncture the skin with your fingernail. If it’s hard to do so, it’s likely a good pick for curing.
•   Sturdy Stem: Choose a pumpkin with a robust stem and always support it by the base when carrying.

Home Care

•   Clean Well: Before carving or storing, wash your pumpkin in a mild bleach* solution (1 teaspoon bleach* per gallon of water) to kill any surface bacteria. *if you are eating your pumpkin replace bleach with dish soap
•   Dry Thoroughly: After washing, make sure to thoroughly dry your pumpkin to prevent mold growth.

Storage

•   Ideal Conditions: Edible pumpkins and winter squashes are best stored in a cool, dark room. Depending on the variety, they can last anywhere from 3 to 11 months.
•   Rotation: If you’ve got multiple pumpkins, especially if they’re stacked, rotate them occasionally to ensure they cure evenly.
•   Concrete Warning: Avoid placing your pumpkin directly on concrete as it may absorb moisture and rot.
•   Cold Weather: Keep your pumpkins away from frost or snow. Bring them indoors when there is a risk of frost.

Carving and Halloween

•   Timing: Try not to carve your Jack-o-Lantern more than 3-4 days before Halloween to keep it looking its best.
•   Planning: If the Halloween spirit is high, focus on planning costumes before getting to the carving!

Post-Carving Care

•   Petroleum Jelly: After carving, apply petroleum jelly to the cut edges to seal in moisture and prolong life.
•   Hydration: If your carved pumpkin starts to shrivel, you can revive it by soaking it in a water and bleach solution for up to eight hours.

Use a Fake Candle

•   LED Lights: Using an LED light instead of a real candle inside your carved pumpkin can help minimize deterioration due to heat.

Edible Treats

•   Seeds: All pumpkin seeds are edible. Rinse them, dry with a paper towel, and roast for a tasty snack.
•   Pumpkin Pie: Many varieties are great for eating! Check out our favourite pumpkin pie recipe Pumpkin Pie with Ginger & Gingersnap Crust