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Two weeks earlier than I would have preferred, yesterday I had to remove the seeds from a future carver. The area of soft flesh was caused by a trucking "incident". The soft flesh has all been removed & the flesh was free of stench.

Because I had some 25% bleach solution already made up in a spray bottle, that's what I used.

I've heard that WD-40 & Bug & Tar Remover are the best for preseving cut pumpkins but decided to poll the group too.

What material do we prefer for preserving cut pumpkins? How often?

10/14/2004 11:45:57 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Steve, the bleach solution will help and if you coat all the cut edges with vaseline (or any petroleum jelly)it will help the jack-o-lantern last alot longer too. One or two coatings will do the trick.

Glenn

10/14/2004 11:55:19 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I have an "Extreme Pumpking Carving" Book it says to spray with a clear matte acrylic to seal and protect. Sure sounds easier than appying Vaseline. Plus imagine the weird look on the check out clerks face when you bring the 1 gallon tub up to the counter. He or she is not going to believe you when you say it is for your pumpkin...lol...I used a solution of citric acid last year to "Pickle" the pumpkin. Repeated spraying every few days. It lasted way beyond Thanksgiving.

10/14/2004 12:20:07 PM

[email protected]

hmmmm....sheets of 6mil plastic & gallon jugs of Vasoline. Sounds like a party in the greenhouse.

I guess any petroleum product that leaves a residue would help.

Citric acid sounds good. But I'm out. I wonder if Orange Juice has enough in it to help?

10/14/2004 1:07:26 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

unsweetened lemon aid packets = Citric Acid 4 per quart...Watch where you are spraying this stuff. Eye protection is a must, not an option, along with gloves.

10/14/2004 1:20:28 PM

mcminnville oregon

Ive been told about the acrilic spay method! im using a shop light with a floreschent bulb , to reduce heat!

10/14/2004 3:20:11 PM

[email protected]

I just found straight Citric Acid in my wife's spice cabinet in the kitchen.

We used to sell it as a spray aid in 50lb bags for $66.00 or $1.32/lb.

She bought the Ball canning preservative in a 6 oz jar for $3.20 or $8.53/lb.

...........sigh..........

10/17/2004 9:48:20 AM