Halloween is basically here, and that means it’s officially pumpkin carving season.
But before you grab that serrated knife and go full horror movie on your gourd, here’s a simple tip that could save your masterpiece from turning into a moldy mess: Stop cutting the stem off your pumpkin.
Sure, tradition tells us to carve a lid on the top, yank it off, scoop out the guts, and go from there. But according to pumpkin pros and a bit of science, that top-down method is actually the fastest way to ruin your jack-o’-lantern.
Here’s why: the stem is not just some random little nub on top. It was literally the pumpkin’s lifeline when it was growing.
It connected the pumpkin to the vine that fed it nutrients and water. So when you chop it off, you’re basically removing the cork from the wine bottle of rot. It opens your pumpkin up to air, moisture, and decay much faster.
Instead, cut a hole in the bottom or the back of the pumpkin. That way, the stem stays intact, acting like a natural seal. Your carved creation will last longer and attract fewer bugs. (Unless you’re trying to summon flies for some reason, in which case… you do you.)
This carving hack has actually been floating around the internet for a while, but it still seems to shock people every Halloween. Think of it like carving 2.0.
Not only does the bottom-entry method help preserve your pumpkin, it also makes it easier to place it over a LED light. You just lift the pumpkin and plop it down instead of awkwardly reaching in from the top.
So this year, skip the decapitation and try the butt cut. Your pumpkin will thank you by not collapsing into a sad, mushy puddle by Halloween night.
Happy carving! And remember: the stem is your friend, not your target.