Carving & Preserving Pumpkins 101

The leaves are falling and the weather is cooling down. Nothing says an ideal autumn evening like carving a pumpkin! (Which are so much more than a decoration!) Try these tips and learn how to carve and preserve a pumpkin so it holds up all season!

Carving

Before you begin the carving process, wash the pumpkin in cool water to remove any dirt or small blemishes. Start by carving out a small section around the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top to keep it from drying out and so that the pumpkin is stable. While this doesn't make all the difference, the stem holds some moisture in the growing process, so keeping it intact can improve the overall appearance of the pumpkin. Carving from the bottom also reduces the chance of it collapsing in on itself. Once a section is carved out, remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. Collect the seeds and pulp and group into separate piles. Rinse the seeds in a colander with cold water then pat dry. When scooping out the seeds, it is important to not leave them for too long since they can mold quickly. Place the pulp to the side if you intend to use it later. Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to take the extra step, wipe the inside with a bleach mixture of 1 tablespoon bleach and 1 quart water. Make sure to let the pumpkin fully dry before carving! 

When making the first carve, use a serrated knife or specific carving tools for ease and precision. If you have a specific design you want to do, trace it out first before carving to lessen mistakes. Begin with the smaller details you want to carve first before moving onto larger cuts since the pumpkin will become more fragile with more cuts. Cutting at a slight angle may also be helpful to avoid any precise falling inside. 

Preserving

Once the pumpkin is carved, rinse the inside with the bleach solution again. Apply a thin layer of oil or vaseline to where the cuts were made to lock in moisture and store the pumpkin in a cool, dry place. After around ten days, the pumpkin will likely begin to shrivel since it is losing moisture. To extend the pumpkin’s life, you can rehydrate it by soaking it in a bath of cold water for two hours. You can also mix together 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and spray it once daily to keep bacteria from growing and spreading. You can even refrigerate the pumpkin to increase longevity if you have room!

Get cozy, light a candle, grab your pumpkin, and get out your supplies. Now you have all the tips to begin carving the perfect pumpkin!