Woman's quick hack doubles the life of carved pumpkins

A woman has been praised for her ingenious Halloween tip that ensures carved pumpkins remain fresh for a fortnight longer. In a TikTok clip posted by Meridian and Ralph's Farm Market, the clever hack is shared, involving a key preparation step that helps keep the pumpkin in top-notch condition and ready for Halloween.

The woman recommends cleaning the gourd with a mix of water and bleach to stave off mould, suggesting: "Use one tablespoon of bleach per pint of water. Note the bleach will evaporate once it dries. You can also wash with a vinegar solution."

She then opts to cut the base rather than the top of the pumpkin, an act that helps "prevent the sides from caving in later", as mentioned in the video's caption which further notes: "It will also make it easier to move your pumpkin to different locations. Sprinkle cinnamon on the top of the pumpkin it will smell amazing when you add a candle. Use a dry eraser felt. You'll be able to easily erase your lines after carving."

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Following the design etching, she applies Vaseline—which is readily available for just £1 from numerous outlets—to all the carved edges, stating: "This will keep your pumpkin moist after carving. Pumpkins should last 1-2 weeks once carved. Sprinkle cinnamon inside your pumpkin for a festive smell when your candle is lit inside the pumpkin. Keep undercover outdoors. This will keep your pumpkin lasting longer, preventing mould."

One user was left confused by the Vaseline step and questioned: "What does the Vaseline do? " In response, another user explained: "It makes it last longer instead of rotting really quickly."

Offering up an alternative suggestion, a different user commented: "It's better to use vinegar. When the critters get in it, they don't get sick or die."

Meanwhile, another added a personal touch by sharing their family tradition: "Just carve it the night before trick or treat. It's a tradition at our house and kinda sets the mood! Pumpkins, movies, and pizza! " Elsewhere, someone else divulged their own technique: "We carve it the day of Halloween and put Christmas lights inside so that my mom can cook it up the next morning and make soups and pies out of it."