WITH Halloween nearly upon us, many households will be carving pumpkins to celebrate.
And if you’ve ever been dismayed to find yours going mouldy, there is a handy trick which can help it last longer.
If you want your pumpkins to last longer, make sure you have some vinegar to handCredit: Facebook
Lynsey, Queen of Clean, shared how she prolongs the life of her carved pumpkinsCredit: Facebook
known as the ‘Queen of Clean’, shared a genius, which can prevent them turning into a mushy mess.
And the best part is you probably have already got everything you need at home.
The cleaning pro shared : “Glow Up Your Pumpkins!
“Let’s preserve those jack-o’-lanterns!
“If you are planning on this week then make sure you try this top tip.
“Clean the inside of your pumpkins with a vinegar solution to prevent mould and keep them looking fresh all Halloween week.”
Fans were quick to comment and offer their own suggestions for prolonging pumpkins.
One wrote: “I heard putting vaseline around the carved edging helps too.”
Another added: “Just pour some vinegar on kitchen paper and rub the inside of the pumpkin?”
CARVING HACK
Do you find carving pumpkins a faff, particularly when you have the dreaded messy task of removing all that pulp and seeds from inside the pumpkin?
Thankfully you don’t need to worry this year as an appliance expert has shared a clever trick that could save you time and effort.
Isabella Forgione, small appliance expert at AO , says all you need is a whisk.
She explained: “Start by cutting a lid at the top of your pumpkin large enough to fit your whisk attachment.
“Cut at an angle to prevent the lid from falling inside.
“Attach the whisk to your stand mixer, or you can use a hand mixer.
“Slowly feed the pumpkin under the whisk as you would with a mixing bowl, setting it to a low or medium-low speed while holding onto the pumpkin.
“The whisk will grab the seeds and loosen the pulp.
“Turn off the mixer and lift it out.”
If you want to easily remove the pulp from inside your pumpkin, you can use an electric whiskCredit: Instagram/AO
Put your mixer inside your pumpkin after removing a lidCredit: Instagram/AO
The expert shared how you can then scoop out the remaining seeds and pulp with a spoon.
She wrote: “If needed, go in for a second round with the whisk to get rid of any stubborn bits.
“With the help of your stand mixer, cleaning out a pumpkin has never been this easy.
“When it comes to the pumpkin itself, don’t let the leftover filling go to waste. Roast the seeds with salt or spices for a tasty autumn snack.”
She added that the pulp can also be used in soups, curries, smoothies, even pumpkin pie or bread.
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy to give out as , clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.
