In addition to being a fixture of Halloween décor, pumpkins are a great addition to many autumnal dishes. When your uncarved pumpkins begin to deteriorate before you can even utilize them, it can be frustrating. Here are some suggestions for keeping pumpkins fresh so they last as long as possible. 1. Select a healthy pumpkin: Look for a firm pumpkin with a thick stem when choosing one. Avoid pumpkins that have cracks, mold, or squishy patches. A healthy pumpkin will endure a lot longer than one that has been harmed.
2. Thoroughly clean your pumpkin before putting it away. Wipe off the entire pumpkin with a moist cloth, being careful to get rid of any dirt or debris. This action will aid in preventing the growth of mold. 3. Keep pumpkins in a cool, dry spot because they survive the longest there. Keep them out of direct sunlight and humid environments. The optimum location is a garage or basement. Consider putting your pumpkin in the refrigerator if you reside in a warmer environment. 4. Apply a protective coating: Your pumpkin can receive a protective coating in a number of ways. On the pumpkin, apply petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to stop moisture loss and rot. To stop mold from growing, you can also spray your pumpkin with a mix of one tablespoon bleach to one quart water. Can Pumpkins Be Grown in the Winter?
Although they can be produced all year round, pumpkins are primarily grown and harvested in the fall. Pumpkins can be grown inside or in greenhouses with the aid of grow lights in colder locations. Pumpkin plants, it should be noted, need a lot of room and sunlight, so indoor cultivation might not be the best choice unless you have a big space with lots of natural light.
Although pumpkins are most frequently associated with the fall, they may be cultivated and harvested all year long. The best time to buy pumpkins, though, is from September through November because that is when they are picked for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced annually in the United States, according to the USDA. This is equivalent to about 2 billion pounds of pumpkin-related products, such as pumpkin pie, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin spice goods. Why Are Pumpkins Pricey This Year?
Due to a multitude of variables, such as weather, crop productivity, and demand, the price of pumpkins might change from year to year. The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on the supply chain may result in increased pumpkin prices in 2021. Extreme weather conditions like droughts or floods can also affect pumpkin production and raise prices.