HALLOWEEN is just around the corner and as Brits are getting ready for the spooktacular holiday, an expert has revealed the exact time to buy your pumpkin.
Around 24 million pumpkins are sold every year in the UK to mark the spooky celebration – but 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin waste end up in landfills.
With a 5,000% increase in Google searches for “how long do pumpkins last”, 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?
Although you may be excited to start decking your home well before the little trick-and-treaters arrive, it’s best to leave the pumpkin buying and carving until a couple of weeks before.
Richard explained that the best time do head to the shops – or the pumpkin patch – is one to two weeks before the holiday (unless you’re ready to keep forking out for fresh pumpkins until then).
The pro said: “You should buy your pumpkin no more than one to two weeks before 31 October to keep your pumpkin fresh for carving.
”Ideally, you should purchase your pumpkin between the 15 and 20 October, so it stays in good condition for carving and display.
”To keep it fresh in time for Halloween, store the pumpkin in a cool, dry place in your home.”
How long can an uncarved pumpkin last?
Have you already purchased your pumpkin and fear it may not last until Halloween?
No need to worry, as according to the supermarket whizz, an uncarved pumpkin can stay fresh for some time.
”Your uncarved pumpkin can last 2 to 3 months. Choose a large, heavy pumpkin with smooth, unblemished skin, and avoid any with a dry or brittle stem.
”Instead, choose a pumpkin with a green stem about 3 to 5 inches long, with tough skin which shows it is ripe.”
When should I carve my pumpkin for Halloween?
Carving the pumpkin is undeniably one of the most fun-filled activities of the holiday – for both parents and their kids, where imagination can go wild.
To help the pumpkin maintain its shape and freshness throughout the night, Richard advised to carve it no more than three days before Halloween.
”As carving your pumpkin speeds up the decaying process, it’s a good idea to wait as long as you can before carving,” he said.
How can I preserve my pumpkin to keep it fresh?
- Choose a fresh pumpkin: “Choose a pumpkin that’s firm with no soft spots, cuts, or bruises. A healthy pumpkin will last longer.”
- Handle the pumpkin gently: “Be careful when handling your pumpkin to avoid any damage that could lead to bacteria entering any cracks or gaps.”
- Clean and dry the pumpkin: “Before carving, wipe the outside of the pumpkin with a damp cloth, and make sure to dry it well to prevent mould from growing.”
- Don’t carve too early: Since carving speeds up decay, it’s best to wait at most two days before Halloween to carve your pumpkin.
- Apply vaseline to the carvings: “After carving, apply a thin coat of Vaseline to the cut edges to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.”
- Refrigerate overnight: “If possible, store your carved pumpkin in the fridge overnight before Halloween to slow down decomposition.”
- Store in a cool spot: “When not on display, store your pumpkin in a cool, dry area to avoid moisture and sunlight which can cause it to rot faster.”
How long will my carved pumpkin last?
The pumpkin has been carved – but how long will it last before withering away?
The guru said: “Carved pumpkins usually last 3 to 5 days, but weather and the amount of sunlight can reduce their lifespan.
”In cooler climates, your pumpkin might last up to a week.
”In warmer temperatures, it will deteriorate in just a couple of days.
”No matter the conditions, carving pumpkins shortens their life, as cutting through the skin allows bacteria to start breaking down the interior.”
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