What is the proper way to store pumpkins?

Question:

What is the proper way to store pumpkins?

Answer:

Curing

After harvesting the pumpkins, cure them at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 percent relative humidity for 10 days.  Curing helps to harden their skins and heal any cuts and scratches.  

Storing

After curing, store pumpkins in a cool, dry location.  Storage temperatures should be 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  When storing pumpkins, place them in a single layer where they don’t touch one another.  Good air circulation helps to prevent moisture from forming on the surfaces of the fruit and retards the growth of decay fungi and bacteria.  Placing the pumpkins in piles generates unwanted heat which may result in the rotting of some fruit.  Promptly remove and discard any pumpkins that show signs of decay.