Pumpkin Carving Preservation
Pumpkin carvers can use several techniques to slow or prevent the spread of pathogens and help their jack-o’-lanterns last longer.
During the fall, and especially around Halloween, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns is a creative tradition enjoyed by people of all ages.
The finished product often leaves the carver feeling proud and eager to display their work. Unfortunately, within just a few days, the pumpkin may begin to discolor, collapse inward, or develop a foul odor.
These are signs of decay caused by pathogenic organisms. When carving a pumpkin, cutting into the fruit and removing the seeds and fibrous strands creates a cavity and exposes additional surfaces, including the rind and pulp (mesocarp).
Author summary: Techniques to preserve pumpkin carvings.