After carving, fruits and vegetables should be placed in ice cold water so the petals of flower designs are firm and spread beautifully.
 

Carved fruits and vegetables should not be left in water as this will cause petals to become discoloured and to spoil.
 

Each type of carved fruit should be kept separately. This will prevent loss of all your work in the event that one type spoils.
 

Store carved fruits and vegetables by putting them in containers and placing in a refrigerator, or if no refrigerator is available, by covering them with a damp piece of thin white cloth and putting them in a place protected from drafts so they do not dry and wilt.
 

After carving, pumpkin should be dipped in water and removed right away. If left in water, flower petal designs will become bruised.