By CHRIS SANDS
How To Pick A Pumpkin That Won't Rot Too Quickly
Pumpkins have plenty of uses, but the first step is always the same: choosing the right one. Healthy pumpkins can last for months, so there are a few things you should look for.
Locally grown pumpkins are preferable, but supermarket ones are fine. Examine the stem, which should be firmly attached, and the skin, which should be colorful and blemish-free.
Choose a pumpkin based on what you’re using it for. If it’s for cooking, choose a four to eight-pound one, but if it’s for carving, choose one that is up to 15 pounds.
A carved pumpkin will begin to rot in about three days, but you can delay it by months by washing it with soap and water and then applying a 90% water and 10% bleach solution.
Once the interior is clean, carve your design and submerge the pumpkin in a bucket of bleachy water for at least eight hours. Then, rub petroleum jelly on the insides and edges.
If you need to store your pumpkin, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Cellars and garages are great storage options to avoid sunlight.
Pumpkins should be good for three months or more if they are stored in the right conditions. Remember to store them on cardboard to avoid unwanted moisture.