As September ushers in soup season with cooler temperatures, people start to crave warm comfort foods and seek fresh seasonal produce.

Pumpkins become a favourite for their rich flavours and health perks, perfect for soups with their naturally sweet taste and creamy texture, blending well with an array of spices, herbs and veggies. Yet pumpkins have one weakness: they're prone to quick decay due to being about 90 per cent water, which makes them a target for dehydration and bacterial binges.

Post-harvest, pumpkins begin to lose moisture, leading to a wrinkled appearance. Once cut open, exposing the tender flesh to air speeds up bacterial growth resulting in rot. Richard Price, a fruit and veg wizard from Britsuperstore, has sliced up some advice for preserving pumpkin freshness using a simple pantry staple: vinegar.

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He pointed out: "Vinegar has a natural acidity, which creates an environment that is hostile to bacteria, which are responsible for causing the pumpkin to rot. Soaking the pumpkin in a vinegar solution can effectively remove any surface-level microbes, delaying composition."

Lastly, Price explained vinegar's cleaning prowess: "Vinegar also does a fantastic job at removing debris and dirt from the surface of the pumpkin's skin. This dirt and debris may carry mould spores, while water helps to rehydrate the pumpkin's outer layer, stopping it from drying out too quickly."

The expert recommended white vinegar due to its high acidity and neutral flavour. It’s also inexpensive and won’t leave any taste on the pumpkin. Other vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, may work but could alter the flavour or leave a residue, reports the Express.

Preparing the solution:

Start by filling a large container with enough water to fully submerge the pumpkin. Mix white vinegar with water at a 1:10 ratio (one part vinegar to 10 parts water).

Soaking the pumpkin:

Submerge the pumpkin in the solution for 10 to 20 minutes, gently rotating it to ensure all sides are covered. After soaking, either pat it dry or leave it to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Rinsing the pumpkin:

Finally, rinse the pumpkin under fresh running water to wash away any remaining vinegar solution, ensuring the flavour doesn’t affect your dishes.