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How to Preserve Pumpkins for Décor or Storage

October 19, 2015 by Missy Rakes 6 Comments

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Learn how to preserve your pumpkins and make them last longer for décor or storage on gracefullittlehoneybee.com

  We recently moved to the country, which means my garden almost tripled in size. Gardening is a passion of mine and I love growing all kinds of new things. I knew I wanted to grow pumpkins this year because I enjoy making homemade pumpkin purée and also growing pumpkins is just FUN. The pumpkins that I chose to grow are called “Moranga” which is an heirloom variety. Watch the video below to learn more and see my full harvest.

 

  We ended up with a ton of pumpkins this year which makes me so excited! I plan on using a lot of them for decorating because they are just so beautiful, but I also plan on storing some of them for when I want to make my Homemade Pumpkin Purée. I will go ahead and bake up a few of the ones that have broken stems or visible damage because I know they won’t store very well.

 

  Whether you’re using them for decorating or for storage purposes we all want our pumpkins to last longer which is why I’m sharing this easy tip with you today. Enjoy!

 

IMG_3381

 

How to Preserve Pumpkins for Décor or Storage

 

1. Fill your sink with water and add 1 tbsp dish soap per gallon.

(You may also add 1 tbsp bleach per gallon of water if desired)

2. Let pumpkins soak 5 minutes. This kills any bacteria on the surface of the pumpkin that can lead to early rot.

 

IMG_3376

3. Gently remove any visible dirt with your hands or a soft scrub brush.

4. Rinse pumpkins and dry thoroughly. Moisture is not your pumpkin’s friend.

(If you are using your pumpkins for decorating purposes then you are finished! If you are using them for long-term storage then complete the last steps.)

5. Place dry pumpkins on top of newspaper in a warm area inside your home. (I placed mine in the sunroom next to a window.)

 

IMG_3380

6. Leave them for 2 weeks periodically checking the newspaper for moisture. If you see moisture, wipe pumpkins dry and place a fresh piece of newspaper down.

7. After 2 weeks your pumpkins are “cured” and can be stored in a dark, cool area.  They should last 2-3 months. Do not store with apples.

 

Do you grow pumpkins? Have you ever kept them in long-term storage? I’d love to know!

 

Other posts you might enjoy:

Check out these fun activities to do with your family this Fall on gracefullittlehoneybee.comLearn to make these delicious homemade pumpkin biscuits on gracefullittlehoneybee.com

 

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Filed Under: Frugal Living, gardening, natural living, Preserving Food

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  1. Lydia @ Thrifty Frugal Mom says

    October 20, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    I had no idea you could do this! I don't have any pumpkins this year, but sometimes I have some that I really want to keep to use later. Will definitely try this!
    Reply
  2. colleen palmer says

    August 16, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    I grow a Japanese variety called "Futsu" looks like a pumpkin but is a squash.Think this will work for display,not eating?
    Reply
    • Missy Rakes says

      August 20, 2018 at 8:20 am

      Yes
      Reply
  3. Protea says

    March 14, 2021 at 7:17 am

    I want to take a Goliath pumpkin and hollow out the flesh take the top to make a lid to last for ever. Any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.
    Reply
  4. Jack says

    October 10, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    Why do they only last for 2-3 months, if they last this long could they not potentially last forever?
    Reply
  5. Glynda Jones says

    October 28, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    I've not made these yet. They look delicious. I'm looking forward to making and serving them.
    Reply

Welcome, I'm Missy and I'd love to help you cook from scratch, save money and live a more simple and abundant life. Click the buttons below to follow along on social media and get to know me better. Have a lovely day!

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