It has been for millennia that humans have learned to dry pumpkins to make utensils, vessels and tools, to decorate and create artistic objects. There are various methods, all valid, to dry a pumpkin, choose the one you prefer and find most comfortable.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Dry them on the plant
Step 1. Let the pumpkins dry directly on the plant where they grew
Ripe pumpkins can easily withstand very cold temperatures and even survive freeze-thaw cycles. Once the plant dries up, after producing the fruit, the pumpkins will also start to dry out.
If the pumpkins are ripe at the end of the season, and you no longer have time to dry out in the sun, you can leave them where they are for the whole winter. Even in the event of snow, you won't have to worry, when the snow has melted the pumpkins, warmed by the spring sun, will start to dry again where they left off. There is a risk, however, that weaker pumpkins can die and rot during the winter period
Step 2. Lift them off the ground and shake them
If they are completely dry they are very light and you can hear the sound of the seeds rolling inside. If you don't hear any noise, don't worry, the seeds have probably stuck to the inside surface.
Step 3. You can harvest the pumpkins when they are completely dry
If they are still attached to the plant, decide whether to remove just the pumpkin or cut a small portion of the stem as a decoration.
Step 4. Pumpkins that have begun to decompose can be used to feed your compost bin
Regardless of the method used to dry your pumpkins, know that some of them will unfortunately go bad.
Method 2 of 5: Dry them after harvesting
Step 1. Harvest the pumpkins when they are ripe and the plant begins to die off turning brown
Use sharp shears to get a clean, even cut. Cut the stalk 3 to 5 cm away from the pumpkin. This is to leave a way out for moisture that would otherwise get trapped in the pumpkin due to the thick, hard skin.
If some of your pumpkins are considered unripe (fleshy and bright green in color), but fear that the first frosts will kill them, cut them off the plant and use them as temporary decorations. Normally it will not be possible to dry these pumpkins. Alternatively, try leaving them on the plant, sometimes the frost could harden them rather than kill them
Step 2. Wash the pumpkin in warm soapy water
This will remove the bacteria and prevent them from spoiling.
You can also soak it for 20 minutes in a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts hot water
Step 3. When you have finished washing the squash, rinse it very well in cold water
This will remove any soap or bleach residue.
Step 4. Find an outdoor place to set up the pumpkins to let them dry out
Pumpkins can be dried in a cold place, but keep in mind that repeated freezing and thawing episodes could damage the seeds contained in the pumpkins. This deterioration would prevent its future sowing.
You can opt for your garage, barn or the interior of your home. However, the maximum possible ventilation will be necessary and for this reason it is advisable to leave them outdoors, also because the drying process can last several months. In fact, you should know that large quantities of dried pumpkins emit a very unpleasant smell. Leaving them to dry at home, it will take some time to be able to eliminate the resulting odor
Step 5. Arrange the pumpkins, side by side, without overlapping them and keep them off the ground so that air can circulate freely around the entire surface
To do this you can use wooden pallets.
Step 6. Remember that drying times vary
Depending on their size, pumpkins can take anywhere from 6 weeks to a full year to dry completely.
Step 7. Remove any mold
Use the flat side of a butter knife and scrape it carefully to remove it. Alternatively you can use a cloth. In case a pumpkin becomes fluffy, it will need to be thrown away.
Step 8. Turn the pumpkins often, at least once every 1-2 weeks, to expose the area with which they rest on the ground as well
Method 3 of 5: Hang the Pumpkins to Dry
Step 1. Let them hang dry
If you only have a couple of pumpkins to dry, stick each stem with a nail, or a large needle, and use it to hang them, for example, from a tree branch.
You can also hang them in a well-ventilated area or along a fence. A fence decorated with multiple hanging pumpkins is very pleasing to the eye, as well as being the perfect place to host a fall or Halloween party
Step 2. Use a needle to make 2-3 small holes in the bottom of the pumpkin
This is an optional method of hanging pumpkins to dry. Thread a string through the holes and hang the pumpkins upside down. Be careful though, piercing pumpkins could cause mold to grow inside them.
Step 3. After hanging it, place newspapers, or a container, under the pumpkin to collect the liquid that will come out of the small holes
If you don't mind piercing the skin of the pumpkin, know that this method speeds up the drying process.
Method 4 of 5: Scrape the Pumpkins
Step 1. Scrape the peel off the pumpkins
This is a process that generates conflicting opinions about its usefulness. Some growers claim that it speeds up the drying process and decreases the likelihood of spots on the skin due to mold. For others, scraping the peel or taking any other action before the pumpkin is completely dry increases the chances of damage and infection.
Step 2. Let the squash dry for a few weeks after harvesting
Do not exceed the indicated time, the pumpkin will dry only partially.
Step 3. Use a butter knife and, without too much pressure, scrape all the outside of the peel to reveal the thinnest layer underneath
Step 4. Leave the drying process to finish in a bright, warm and well-ventilated place
Turn the pumpkins every 2-3 days if they are placed on a flat surface.
If the pumpkins were to dry out too quickly they would be more likely to shrivel
Method 5 of 5: Clean the Pumpkins after Drying Them
Step 1. When the pumpkins are completely dry, take care of their cleaning
Submerge them in a container filled with hot soapy water. This step will help loosen any mold buildup on the skin.
While this isn't necessary, you can add bleach to the water to give the pumpkins an even color
Step 2. Use the flat side of a table knife to scrape the outer skin of the pumpkins
During the drying process, the peel will have shriveled or stained. Normally, you will want to scrape it.
You can also use glass wool or sandpaper to remove the outermost layer of the peel. In both cases, however, the surface of the pumpkins will remain visibly scratched. Only use these tools in case you want to paint your pumpkins
Step 3. Fill any possible holes or breaks with wood putty
While not strictly necessary, this step will give the surface of your pumpkins an even texture. You can also sand the inside of the pumpkins to smooth them.
Advice
- Ripe pumpkins, or in the drying process, can be exposed to very cold temperatures, but if you are storing a pumpkin and then you can use the seeds by planting them in the next season, don't let your pumpkins freeze, otherwise the seeds will no longer be. fit for purpose.
- During the drying period, mold is very likely to develop on the surface of the pumpkin. Do nothing and do not worry, when the pumpkin is completely dry it will also dry up the mold and dissolve. However, it is possible that it can leave stains on the surface of the peel.
