Pumpkins
November 9, 2010 1 Comment
Halloween’s over, so we won’t be talking too much about the process of creating a Jack-o-Lantern. Now it’s time to plan our annual Thanksgiving feast – and what is just as symbolic of Thanksgiving as a turkey?
Pumpkin Pie, that’s what. Pumpkins are a variety of winter squash native to the Americas. They can be stored in a cool area for quite a long time (up to 4 months) before rotting, so they are well suited to New England autumnal feasting.
Pumpkins are cured for 10 days before sale – either in the field or in a warm dry shed. Buy a pumpkin in October and it might last until New Year’s Day if stored in a cool dry place. Traditionally the pumpkins used at Halloween are picked before ripening or overripe fruit that would rot quickly and cannot be stored for the winter.
Growing your own? Your climate may require special considerations. Here are some resources that might help. North Carolina Illinois Iowa Washington Texas Arizona
Information on traditional methods of storing your autumn harvest for the winter from Cornell.
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