Delicious and healthy pumpkin can be enjoyed all year round if the crop is properly maintained. You will learn about the methods and features of storing this vegetable from our article.
Dates and rules of collection
Harvesting is carried out in the presence of visual ripeness, which is inherent in each variety. For example, hardcore can be harvested 3 months after planting. Large-fruited varieties that have tasty flesh and excellent keeping quality belong to middle-ripening pumpkins.
Their collection is carried out after 4.5 months after planting. In addition, there are nutmeg varieties that are late. Their full maturity occurs after 5 months.
Did you know? The birthplace of pumpkin is Mexico, where the vegetable was grown eight thousand years ago. Along with corn is considered the oldest crop in the world.
The collection rules are as follows:
- Cleaning is carried out only on a warm day. This must be done before the onset of frost.
- Transport carefully so as not to damage the skin.
- It is necessary to separate the fruit from the whip with the help of sharp tools so that the stalk remains at least 5 cm long
- Before storage, the fruit is cleaned and dried, and also sorted by size.
Varieties of pumpkins for long-term storage
Despite the variety of varieties, not all are suitable for long-term storage.
Consider which ones are suitable:
- Acorn;
- "Aport";
- "Smile";
- "Harlequin";
- "Spaghetti".
Storage rules
In order for the pumpkin to lie for a long time, you need to know some nuances:
- Store only in a dark room, with regular ventilation;
- humidity should be at the level of 80%;
- the fruits should not touch each other;
- to improve preservation, it is recommended to make a bed of dry grass;
- fruit stems should be present at least 5 cm long;
- to preserve moisture, each fruit is wrapped in paper.
Important! Before placing the pumpkin in a storage place, it is kept for at least 10 hours in the sun. During this time, part of the moisture will evaporate, which will extend the shelf life.
Pumpkin conditions and shelf life
Consider how to properly and how much time you can store the vegetable in whole or in parts.
Whole fruits
Fruits in their original form are stored for a long time, if the temperature is in the range + 3 ... + 15 ° С. In this case, the humidity in the room should be at the level of 75–80%. It is important that the air does not stagnate. Observance of such conditions will allow preserving the crop at least until spring.
Cut or peeled
Those who want to keep the pumpkin in parts or without peel are interested in how much it is stored in this form. More often, fruits in this form are stored in a refrigerator or freezer. When wrapping with cling film or foil, as well as greasing with sunflower oil, pieces of pumpkin can be stored for up to a month. In open form - no more than a few days.
Did you know? According to botanical descriptions, a pumpkin is considered a berry, as it has a peel, inner pulp and a lot of seeds.
Methods for storing pumpkins at home
In winter, it is better to store the vegetable in the basement or cellar. If you are a city dweller and you have only an apartment at your disposal, do not despair. Consider what other options are possible.
In the apartment
Vegetables need to provide coolness (+5 ... + 10 ° C) and darkness. Some store pumpkin in the kitchen in a dark corner or, for example, under the bed. However, only certain varieties are suitable for this; most have a short shelf life under these conditions.
On the balcony
This place can be stored if there is glazing.
For a successful wintering, the following rules must be observed:
- for storage, build racks from boards or wooden boxes;
- place pumpkins at a distance of 10 cm from each other;
- lay on top a fabric that will protect the fruits from the sun.
In the basement or cellar
The most suitable option. However, it is important to prepare the room. It is better that there are no other vegetables in the neighborhood. Shelves are being built for storage, since the earthen floor is not suitable for this. If it is not possible to build them, the floor is covered with a thick layer of straw or hay.
Pumpkins are placed at a distance from each other so that they do not touch, stalks up.
In fridge
For storage, the vegetable is cut into pieces, greased with vegetable oil and wrapped in a cling film. Stacked in the compartment for vegetables.
In dried form
If the fruits are processed in this way, then in finished form they are placed in a dense box or jar, which should be in a dark place. Such manipulations will help to keep the product for about 12 months.
The fruits are dried as follows:
- peeled vegetables and seeds;
- cut into slices with a size of 0.5-1 cm;
- pieces are dipped in boiling water and immediately removed;
- lay the slices on the wire rack in a preheated oven to + 60 ° C or an electric dryer.
Frozen
The pulp of a pumpkin can be frozen, which does not deprive it of its beneficial properties.
For this:
- the vegetable is peeled, seeds;
- first cut into several large pieces, then into small pieces or rubbed on a grater;
- laid out in portions in bags and put in the freezer.
Important! After defrosting, repeated freezing is not allowed. Keep this in mind when filling portions before freezing, as well as taking them out for cooking.
What problems can arise during storage?
If you do not adhere to the rules for storing the vegetable, unpleasant moments will appear:
- the vegetable will begin to rot or dry;
- the peel is moldy.