If you're going to carve some pumpkins this week, here's a tip . . . don't cut the stem off.
It will last much longer if you cut a hole in the bottom or back of it instead.
Unless you like the flies that swarm around rotting fruit. Then go right ahead!
Fun fact: Did you know that the stem of the pumpkin was attached to the vine that fed it? (Me neither.) So, the stem of your pumpkin contains a lot of nutrients required to keep your pumpkin healthy.
When the stem is left on, it helps seal the pumpkin and slow down rotting.
So, in summary, do not decapitate the pumpkin. Cut its butt off instead. Happy Halloween!
(NY Times)