Chautauqua Grown & Carved Pumpkins

JAMESTOWN, NY - (October 19, 2018) – Even though the days have been getting colder in Chautauqua County, it’s still not too late to celebrate the season by carving pumpkins with your family and friends! Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County encourages you to consider buying your pumpkins and other fall décor from a local farm. Not sure where to go? Visit www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua/cg to view our Chautauqua Grown page – a farm-to-table directory that will link you to farms in your area that offer fall produce, signature decorations, and even fun festivities and events! Additionally, Cornell University recently released some great tips and tricks to help make your pumpkin carving experience a success!

Did you know that you should carve from a hole that you cut out on the bottom of your pumpkin – not the top? That’s right! Experts say that carving from the bottom or the back will keep your pumpkin fresh for longer because moisture won’t collect where you’ve carved, and you help the pumpkin by keeping the stem intact. Other things that you can do to keep your masterpiece lasting as long as possible include letting your pumpkin dry out overnight after cleaning but before carving; cleaning your pumpkin once you’ve removed as much of the soft walls and “guts” as possible with a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach and 1 quart water; and rubbing petroleum jelly, olive oil, clear spray paint, or white glue on your pumpkin’s carved edges.

Don’t forget to enjoy other fall products including apples, squash, potatoes, garlic and late season produce. Harvest what you can and consider preservation methods like canning, freezing, and dehydrating to carry you through the winter. You can also support your local agricultural community year round by purchasing items like honey, maple syrup, meats, and eggs locally!

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County wishes you and your family a safe, happy fall season! For more information about local agriculture, food preservation or purchasing local agricultural products, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County at kaw249@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502 ext. 202.

The Chautauqua Grown Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated October 19, 2018