How to Keep Your Pumpkins Fresh: A Simple Trick

The Simple Trick

The trick to keeping your pumpkins fresh involves a bleach bath followed by a coating of petroleum jelly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Bleach Solution

Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water in a large bucket or tub. This concentration is strong enough to disinfect without being too harsh.
Stir well to ensure the bleach is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Soak the Pumpkin

Submerge the pumpkin in the bleach solution for about 10 minutes. For carved pumpkins, be sure to also soak the interior.
If the pumpkin is too large for the bucket, use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to all surfaces.

Step 3: Dry the Pumpkin Thoroughly

Remove the pumpkin from the solution and let it dry completely on a towel or drying rack. Ensure it’s fully dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Petroleum Jelly

Spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the entire surface of the pumpkin, including any carved edges or exposed areas.
Avoid applying too thick a layer to prevent the pumpkin from becoming slippery and attracting dirt.
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