PUMPKIN CARE AND CARVING TIPS

1. When picking a pumpkin, make sure there are no bruises, soft spots or mold.  Store in a cool dry space with enough space between pumpkins to allow air to circulate.  This will help prevent bruising.  One rotten spot in a pumpkin can infect the whole pile.
2. Never carry a pumpkin by its stem – it could easily break (a pumpkin with a broken or missing stem won’t last as long).  Instead, carry it from the bottom.
3. Run a Q-tip covered with Vaseline or vegetable oil over the cut edges of your Jack O’Lantern.  This will help make your carving last by sealing in the moisture.  If you plan to eat the pumpkin, omit this step.
4. Whenever possible, carve your pumpkin on the same day you plan to display it.  However, you can create your carving a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.  Make sure to cover the pumpkin thoroughly with clingy plastic wrap.  First, cover the lid and place it back in the pumpkin; making sure there is a layer of plastic between the lid and the ledge.  Cover the whole pumpkin with the plastic completely covering the carvings, and place it in the refrigerator with enough room around it.  Be sure not to freeze the pumpkin.
5. You can restore a pumpkin that has begun to shrivel by soaking it in water for 2-6 hours.  Be careful not to oversoak because the pumpkin may crack.  On average, a pumpkin carving will usually last for 2-7 days.