Store pumpkin: this way it stays fresh and long-lasting

If the harvest turns out to be more than expected, you can store your pumpkin for a few months. This way you don't have to throw it away and you always have enough in stock. We'll explain exactly how to do this here.

Store pumpkin: the preparation

In order for your pumpkin to survive the next few months, you have to prepare it accordingly.

• Check if the pumpkin has any unhealthy spots. Only "healthy" pumpkins should be stored by.
• Do not remove the stem, but shorten it to an inch.
• Do not wash the bowl.
• Make sure the pumpkin is ripe. The stem and bowl should be hard. Do the knock test for safety: If there is a hollow noise, the pumpkin is ripe.
• Let unripe pumpkins ripen in a warm place for up to two weeks. Otherwise, it can become moldy from the inside.
• Freezing : If you want to freeze the pumpkin, cut it into slices and blanch it beforehand. However, if you want to make it into soup later, you can puree it beforehand and freeze it as a sauce.
• Cut pumpkin : Wrap it in foil and put it in the fridge. It lasts for about two to three days.

Location choice for storage

When choosing the location, you also have to pay attention to a few things:

• The temperature in the storage room should be between 10 and 14 degrees.
• Make sure it is cool and dry there. There should also be adequate ventilation. The basement or storage rooms are suitable for this.
• If you have the opportunity, you can hang the pumpkin in an airy net. This makes it last longer.
• Depending on the variety, you can store the pumpkin there for up to eight months.
• If you have cooler spots in the house, you can also use the pumpkin as a decoration.

There are well over 800 different pumpkins in the world. We have compiled the five most popular varieties for you in another article.