With Halloween fast approaching our family favorite tradition is to carve pumpkins. I work hard to get the just the right pumpkin, pick out perfect expressions, clean them and carve accordingly. But within a week, fresh happy jack o'lanterns end up resembling an old man. And that's just not fair!
Is there anything we can do to keep our Halloween art work from rotting or loosing their youthful figure?
Well, after some research I found a solution for jack o'lanterns to last a week longer!
The skin of the pumpkin protects the inside from the rotting elements such as fungi, bacteria, molds and critters. When we cut into the skins we are exposing the inside of the pumpkin to these rotting elements... and this is how Jack looses his smile.
So, the idea is to sterilize and seal the exposed flesh. (That sounds kind of gross)
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
1. Mixing a tablespoon of Clorox Bleach with one quart water in a spray bottle. Spray the carved pumpkin inside and out with the Clorox solution and let it dry for approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Rub all the cut or exposed surfaces with petroleum jelly (vaseline) to lock in the moisture. This will keep "Jack" from drying out.
3. Use a paper towel to can clean up any smudges.
4. Place your pumpkin on top of a paper towel or newspaper to protect the surface it is sitting on.
(no more stained cement.)
5. And I suggest not putting your jack o'lanterns in direct sunlight or exposed to freezing temperatures.
kind of like taking care of your own skin.
Your pumpkins will Thank You.
What are you going to carve on your jack o'lanterns this Halloween?
By: Stephanie Goodman SuperMom of 3 and 2 bonus sons
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