By Blake Jackson
Steve Reiners, professor of horticulture at Cornell University, says the wildfire smoke this summer didn't hurt the New York pumpkin crop, and has suggestions for ensuring your gourds last through Halloween.
Reiners say that growers had some concerns that the smoke would keep bees from pollinating the pumpkin plants, but once the skies cleared, the bees did their job. He also says that the drought in June followed by heavy rains later in the summer didn't hurt the crop, as growers were able to stay ahead of rots and diseases.
When choosing a pumpkin, Reiners recommends looking for one that is firm with no soft spots and a hard stem. He also says that uncut pumpkins can last through Thanksgiving, but once they are cut, they should be used within 7 to 10 days to prevent rotting. To slow the rotting process, Reiners suggests spraying the inside of the pumpkin and all cut surfaces with a solution of one teaspoon of bleach to one quart of water.
Tips for Keeping Your Pumpkin Fresh
- Choose a pumpkin that is firm with no soft spots and a hard stem.
- Uncut pumpkins can last through Thanksgiving.
- Once cut, pumpkins should be used within 7 to 10 days to prevent rotting.
Photo Credit: gettyImages-digitalvision
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Weather