Pumpkin Preservation

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Sure you want to preserve your master piece for as long as you can. After you have finished carving it follow these tips to make it last as long as you can. Depending on your local weather conditions during October, an un-treated, carved pumpkin can have a life span any were of from a week to only a day. If your pumpkin wrinkles it's because it has lost it's moisture.
If you have other tips, please post a comment and tell us about it.

• Soak the pumpkin in water for a couple of minutes with a bit of bleach added. Put one teaspoon bleach per gallon of water.This will help stop mold growth. Let it drain and then dry it carefully.
  
  
• If your pumpkin molds, there is really nothing you can do so you only can try to preserve it and make it last longer before molding. You will get molds sooner in moist environments so try to keep it in a dry place as much as possible.
  
  
• Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the underside of the pumpkin top for a nice scent when the candle inside your jack-o'-lantern is lit.
  
  
• Store the pumpkin in a cool and shaded place during the day. It's better not to cover it to prevent it from turning soft.
  
  
  Image via Wikipedia
• While your pumpkin is on display, mist it with water periodically to help keep it hydrated.
  
  
• Covering a pumpkin with a damp towel will keep it hydrated when it is not on display.
  
  
• At night, wrap your pumpkins in plastic and refrigerate. This will slow the aging process.
  
  
• You can cover the cut edges and inner pumpkin walls with petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to make it last longer. This will help  seal in moisture. Vegetable oil can also be used instead of petroleum jelly.
  
  
• Believe it or not spraying hairspray on the inside of your pumpkin will help increase its life span.
  
  
• There are commercially available sprays and dips that will keep your pumpkin fresh longer.
  
  
• In a warm or dry environment, your pumpkin will start to wrinkle. You can rehydrate it by soaking in water for about 2-4 hours. Let it drain and dry it carefully.

 I hope this post is helpful, please do leave your comments.