This Is the Best Time to Carve a Pumpkin so It's Not Rotten on Halloween

Tips

• Keep uncarved pumpkins between 50 and 60°F in a shady spot; bring them inside during heat spells.
• Wait until the day before Halloween to carve your pumpkin.
• If you must carve earlier, store the carved pumpkin inside, preferably in the refrigerator.
• Always keep the pumpkin stem intact to prevent bacteria from entering through exposed flesh.
• Consider opening pumpkins from the bottom to help protect the stem.
• Rub all cut or etched areas with a petroleum-based gel like Vaseline to seal the cut and prevent bacteria infiltration.
• Use a flameless candle if you plan to light the pumpkin night after night; otherwise, any type of candle is fine for a single use on Halloween Eve.