Pumpkins are one of those funny fruits that are often confused with being a vegetable. That said, they are extremely popular, especially around the holiday season (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) both as ingredients in food and as decorations.
Below, we discuss whether or not pumpkins continue to ripen after being picked.
Do Pumpkins Ripen After Being Picked?
Pumpkins are a fruit that continues to ripen after being picked from the vine. That means they will ripen well if you simply leave them on the kitchen counter or front porch. Even more, it takes quite a while for them to spoil (making them perfect for the holidays).
How Do You Ripen a Pumpkin?
Pumpkins can be ripened by placing them in the open air somewhere with lots of sunlight. However, they will continue to ripen just about anywhere you put them. Wherever you do place them to further ripen, it is best to rotate them a bit from time to time so that the entire fruit ripens evenly as possible.
How to Tell if a Pumpkin is Ripe?
You can tell that a pumpkin is ripe and ready for harvesting when the rind turns extra hard and it has turned the proper color. If you’re unsure, try poking the pumpkin with your fingernail. If the skin resists your fingernail, it is most likely ripe. If it is easy to jab, it probably needs more time. Further, ripe pumpkins produce a hollow sound when you tap them with your knuckles.
Are Unripe Green Pumpkins Edible?
Believe it or not, green pumpkins are indeed edible. All pumpkins are edible (for the most part), even the unripe ones, or half-ripe ones. Of course, the taste of unripe pumpkin isn’t nearly as full as the taste of fully ripened ones.
How Long Does it Take for Green Pumpkins to Turn Orange?
For the most part, green pumpkins should turn orange within 2 and a half months to 4 months. The species grown, and the factors like local climate and weather, help determine how long it takes for green pumpkins to turn orange.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
