The exact time to buy a pumpkin for Halloween and when to carve it, reveals pro
HALLOWEEN is just around the corner and as Brits prepare for the spooktacular holiday, an expert has revealed the exact time you can buy your pumpkin.
Around 24 million pumpkins are sold in Britain every year to celebrate the spooky holiday, but 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin waste ends up in landfills.
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With a 5,000% increase in Google searches for ‘how long do pumpkins last,’ says Richard Price, supermarket expert and owner of Britsuperstore has outlined when to buy your pumpkin and how to preserve it in time for Halloween.
When should I buy my pumpkin?
While you may be excited to start decorating your house well before the little trick-and-treaters arrive, it’s best to leave the pumpkin shopping and carving until a few weeks earlier.
Richard explained that the best time to go to the stores – or to the pumpkin patch – is one to two weeks before the holidays (unless you’re ready to forage for fresh pumpkins until then).
The pro said: “You should buy your pumpkin no sooner than one to two weeks before October 31st so that your pumpkin stays fresh for carving.
”It is best to buy your pumpkin between October 15 and 20, so that it remains in good condition for carving and display.
“To keep it fresh in time for Halloween, you can store the pumpkin in a cool, dry place in your home.”
How long can an uncarved pumpkin last?
Have you already bought your pumpkin and are you afraid it won’t last until Halloween?
You don’t have to worry, because according to the supermarket scent, an uncut pumpkin can stay fresh for a while.
”Your uncarved pumpkin can last 2 to 3 months. Choose a large, heavy pumpkin with smooth, unblemished skin and avoid one with a dry or brittle stem.
“Instead, choose a pumpkin with a green stem about 3 to 4 inches long, with a hard skin that shows it is ripe.”
When should I carve my pumpkin for Halloween?
Carving the pumpkin is undeniably one of the most fun activities of the holiday – for both parents and their children, where imagination can run wild.
To help the pumpkin keep its shape and freshness all night, Richard recommended carving it no earlier than three days before Halloween.
”Since carving your pumpkin speeds up the rotting process, it’s a good idea to wait as long as possible before carving,” he said.
How can I store my pumpkin to keep it fresh?
- Choose a fresh pumpkin: ‘Choose a pumpkin that is firm, without soft spots, cuts or bruises. A healthy pumpkin lasts longer.”
- Handle the pumpkin carefully: “Take care when handling your pumpkin to avoid damage that could lead to bacteria getting into cracks or holes.”
- Clean and dry the pumpkin: “Before carving, wipe the outside of the pumpkin with a damp cloth and make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent mold from forming.”
- Don’t cut too early: Because carving accelerates decay, it’s best to wait no more than two days before Halloween before carving your pumpkin.
- Apply Vaseline to the carving: “After cutting, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the cut edges to retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.”
- Store in the refrigerator overnight: “If possible, store your carved pumpkin in the refrigerator overnight before Halloween to slow decomposition.”
- Store in a cool place: “If you’re not displaying your pumpkin, store it in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture and sunlight, which can cause it to rot more quickly.”
How long will my carved pumpkin last?
The pumpkin is carved – but how long will it last before it wilts?
The guru said, “Carved pumpkins usually last three to five days, but weather and sunlight can shorten their lifespan.
”In cooler climates your pumpkin can last up to a week.
”With warmer temperatures it will deteriorate within a few days.
‘Regardless of the circumstances, carving pumpkins shortens their life because cutting the skin allows bacteria to break down the inside.’
