Pumpkin drying seems to be ingrained in human DNA – we humans have been drying pumpkins for thousands of years to make tools, vessels, tools, instruments, and all kinds of arts and crafts. Continue this tradition by learning the methods below.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Drying Pumpkin in the Field
Step 1. Leave the pumpkin where it is creeping
Ripe pumpkins will withstand frost as well as multiple cycles of freezing and thawing. When the plant turns brown and dies, the pumpkin will dry out and fall off.
If the pumpkins are ripe by the time the growing season is over but haven't had time to dry out, you can let them propagate through the winter. When the snow melts and makes the pumpkins visible, the pumpkins will continue the drying process so that they fall in autumn. However, there is a risk that the pumpkin will rot if left out all winter
Step 2. Take the pumpkin and shake it
Dried pumpkin will be light and hollow. The sound of the seeds swirling from within. Sometimes, the seeds stick to the pumpkin before they dry out so they don't crackle.
Step 3. Collect the pumpkins from the garden when they are completely dry
If the pumpkin is still attached to the plant, you can cut it with the pumpkin or leave the stem – to use as a garnish.
Step 4. Turn the rotting pumpkin into compost before it dries completely
No matter which method you choose to dry your pumpkin, the chances of it rotting are still there – be prepared for this.
Method 2 of 5: Drying the Pumpkin on the Props
Step 1. Cut the ripe pumpkins from the vines when the leaves and stems have started to brown
Use a sharp cutter for good results. Leave the stem attached to the pumpkin about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Leave some of the stem. This is important because it will help the process of evaporation of water. Pumpkin skin is hard and non-porous, so pores from the stem are needed to remove moisture from the pumpkin.
If you have an unripe pumpkin (juicy and bright green) and you're concerned that the first freezing process will kill it, cut it from the vines and use it as a temporary garnish. In general, you can't dry pumpkin like this. You can also leave the squash on the vines – sometimes they will harden during the freezing process
Step 2. Wash the pumpkin using warm, soapy water
This will remove bacteria and help prevent spoilage.
You can also soak them for 20 minutes in a solution consisting of one part bleach and nine parts warm water
Step 3. Rinse the pumpkin in cold water after washing or soaking it
This will remove any soap or bleach residue.
Step 4. Choose an open place where the pumpkin can be put and dry
Pumpkins can dry out in the cold, but keep in mind that repeated freezing and thawing often causes damage to the seeds inside the pumpkin. This damage causes the seeds can not be planted again.
You can also dry pumpkins in the garage, barn, or indoors, but pumpkins will get good air circulation if you let them dry outside. It will take several months for the pumpkin to dry completely. Keep in mind that large quantities of dried pumpkin will produce an unpleasant odor. If you dry it indoors, it will take a long time to get rid of the smell
Step 5. Lay the pumpkin in the first layer on a high surface
The surface should be structured like a wooden pallet. Elevation allows for increased air circulation – air can circulate around the flask from every direction.
Step 6. Keep in mind that drying times vary
Depending on the size of the pumpkin, you may need anywhere from six weeks to a whole year to dry the pumpkin.
Step 7. Clean the fungus that grows
Use the blunt side of a butter knife to clean the mushrooms. You can also clean the mushrooms with a rag. If the pumpkin becomes mushy, you should throw it away.
Step 8. Rotate the pumpkin
Rotate the pumpkin every one to two weeks so that the bottom of the pumpkin can be exposed to air.
Method 3 of 5: Hanging Pumpkins to Dry
Step 1. Hang the pumpkin from the stem
If you only have a few pumpkins to dry, tie a string to the trunk and hang it from a tree branch to dry.
You can also hang pumpkins in well-ventilated buildings, or along fences. Hanging pumpkins on a fence can give your yard a festive fall look
Step 2. Use your fingernail to poke two or three small holes in the back of the pumpkin
You don't have to do this if you're drying the pumpkin by hanging it. Thread the string through the hole and hang the pumpkin upside down. Be aware that punching holes in the pumpkin can cause mold to grow inside the pumpkin.
Step 3. Place a tray or newspaper under the hanging pumpkin to keep the pumpkin from dripping
If you don't mind punching holes in the pumpkin while it's drying, this will speed up the drying process.
Method 4 of 5: Drying with the Greenscaping Process
Step 1. Know the pros and cons of greenscaping
Greenscaping is a controversial process. Some people recommend it to speed up the drying process and reduce dark spots. Others say that greenscaping, which involves the process of working on an imperfect pumpkin surface, increases the risk of damage and infection.
Step 2. Allow the pumpkin to dry after harvesting
You'll only need a few weeks to dry it (the pumpkin will only partially dry).
Step 3. Use the blunt side of a butter knife to peel off the outermost layer of skin
By doing this, the pumpkin will reveal a lighter layer underneath.
Step 4. Complete the pumpkin drying process by greenscaping
Place the pumpkin in a warm, well-ventilated, bright place. Rotate the pumpkin every 2 to 3 days if you are drying it on a flat surface.
Be aware that if the pumpkin dries too quickly, it will wrinkle
Method 5 of 5: Cleaning the Pumpkin After Drying
Step 1. Clean the pumpkin after it is completely dry
Soak in a bucket with warm, soapy water. This will help remove the skin and dirt that is on the outer surface.
You can add bleach to the water to give the pumpkin a uniform color, although this is not mandatory
Step 2. Use the blunt side of a butter knife to peel off the outer shell
During the drying process, the outer shell may become wrinkled or blotchy. Usually people peel this skin.
You can also use steel wool or sandpaper to remove the outer layer of the skin. However, using this tool will generate a mark. Use sandpaper or steel wool only if you want to color the pumpkin
Step 3. Patch any small holes or cracks with wood putty
While this step is not mandatory, it will give your pumpkin the same texture. You can also sand the inside of the pumpkin so that it becomes smooth.
Tips
- While ripe or dried pumpkins are okay with condensation and freezing, if you want to plant seeds again, don't let them freeze. Once frozen, the seeds can no longer be planted.
- The fungus is usually present on the outer surface of the pumpkin when it is dry. This is normal and does not need cleaning. When the pumpkin dries again, the mushrooms will dry out and fall off. However, the fungus causes the surface of the pumpkin to darken and blacken. Wipe or peel the mushrooms if you want an even color.
