How long does pumpkin last?

A whole, uncut pumpkin keeps 2 to 3 months in a cool, dry place, or 3 to 5 months in the fridge. Winter squash like butternut keeps 2 to 6 weeks at room temperature and 1 to 3 months in the fridge. Cut pumpkin keeps only a few days in the fridge.

Food	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
Whole pumpkin	3–5 monthsfrom purchase	—	2–3 monthsfrom purchase
Winter squash (butternut, acorn)	1–3 monthsfrom purchase	10–12 monthsfrom purchase	2–6 weeksfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if a pumpkin has gone bad

Soft, sunken or wet spots on the skin, often near the stem or base.
Mold outside or inside, or slimy flesh.
A sour or rotten smell when cut. A carved Halloween pumpkin isn't for eating after a few days.

How to store pumpkin

Keep whole pumpkins and squash in a cool, dry, airy place, not touching each other, with the stem attached.
Don't wash them before storing.
Wrap cut pieces tightly, remove the seeds, and keep them in the fridge for a few days.
Refrigerate cooked pumpkin and squash within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days.

Can you freeze pumpkin?

Yes, cooked, for 10 to 12 months. Roast or steam cubes or purée, cool them and freeze in portions. Raw cubes can also be frozen for roasting or soup, though they soften.

Questions

How long does cut pumpkin last?

A few days in the fridge, tightly wrapped, with the seeds removed.

How long does canned pumpkin last once opened?

3 to 4 days in the fridge, in a sealed container; it freezes well for longer.

Can you eat a carved pumpkin?

Not after it has stood carved at room temperature for more than a couple of hours: bacteria and mold grow on the cut flesh.

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