How long does a pumpkin last? When you should carve it and what to do after Halloween

Halloween is almost here, and with it comes some particularly spooky traditions.

The festival, which has its roots in Christian and Pagan origins, has now morphed into an annual celebration centered around costumes, parties and pumpkin-carving.

Millions of pumpkins are bought and sold over this time, and something must be done with the used-up fruits once we’ve finished carving.

Here’s what you can do with your pumpkin once Halloween is over – from recycling it, to creating beauty treatments and autumnal feasts.

How long does a pumpkin last?

According to Country Living, the average uncarved pumpkin should last two to three months if kept in stable conditions away from hot environments.

However, it’s reported that a carved pumpkin can last as little as a few days – and so it’s important to carve your pumpkin no more than a couple of nights before Halloween so as to avoid a rotten masterpiece.

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How to carve the perfect pumpkin

Everyone tends to have their own technique to carve a pumpkin but our guide should give you a general idea:

• Pick your pumpkin: The first step is to pick a healthy pumpkin to last through Halloween. It should have no bruises and a sturdy stem. Choose one with a flat base, which will make it easier to display on Halloween night.
• Prepare your workspace: Carving a pumpkin can be messy, so it’s better to do it outdoors if possible or cover the table you’re working on with papers, magazines or bags that you can throw away or recycle later.
• Draw before you carve: Sketch your design on paper first for best results. When carving later on Good Housekeeping recommends taping your drawing to the front of your pumpkin and use a fork or pencil to poke holes along the lines you want to carve.
• Draw your lid and cut: Outline a circular lid – about five to six inches in diameter – around the pumpkin stem then use a large serving spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.
• Clean the pumpkin: Use a kitchen towel to wipe off the inside of your pumpkin, so it is easier to carve
• Carve: BBC Good Food recommends using a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose and mouth.

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What to do with an old pumpkin

• Cook up an autumnal feast: Scoop out the flesh and use it as a pumpkin puree or hummus by blending it with some tahini sauce, lemon juice and cumin.
• Make a face mask: Sustainability website TreeHugger recommends using pumpkin puree as a facial mask for dry skin or as a body butter by mixing it with coconut oil.
• Feed your pets: The Woodland Trust suggest you can turn your pumpkin into a bird feeder. Pumpkins can have health benefits for your cat and your dog – in small doses.
• Compost the waste: Pumpkins – including flesh and seeds – can be composted with all your other food waste.
• Make a planter: Why not use that rugged, hollowed-out shell as a planter for any small, potted plants you might have? This method from Gardening Know How is simple enough, especially if you’re using a round pumpkin with a flat bottom.