When carving real pumpkins, one of the insider tricks to prevent the cut edges from deteriorating quickly is to smear them with petroleum jelly. This technique works because the jelly creates a barrier between the cut pumpkin and air, which can speed up the decomposition process. But petroleum jelly is not edible, and it's not biodegradable. Leaving pumpkins outdoors can invite critters to nibble at them, and that can lead to animals accidentally ingesting petroleum jelly. Instead of carving, opt for intact pumpkins, which will last longer and remain edible far after the Halloween holiday.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION