Pumpkins Sold in the Small Farmer Market

Decorate of plastic pumpkins

Since the middle of September, one of farmer markets in our town has sold the pumpkins. We noticed four different kinds of pumpkins, they are (actually, I don’t know exactly, but I just guess) large orange pumpkins (Cucurbita maxima); common pumpkins or summer squash or styrian pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo); blue jarrahdale; and kinds of cushaw. 

Large pumpkins are ready for carving

As we know that the large pumpkins for decorating during October (before and during Halloween), but some people eating the seeds and flesh. However, these pumpkins not grown for eating purposes or not good for eating directly (after boiling), but might be suitable for making pie. 

Small pumpkins or common pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo)

We have several pumpkins with a little bit small size than pumpkins for carving, one of them has scientific name Cucurbita pepo. This pumpkin is grown specially as source of food. The pumpkin also called as pie or sugar pumpkin due to its sweetness. This pumpkin could be used as oatmeal, roasted veggie, soups and loaves. 

Blue jarrahdale

Blue jarrahdale pumpkin is smaller in size, I do not know what purposes of this pumpkin grown for: either for eating or decorating only or both. I read from “google” that Blue jarrahdale is bigger pumpkin actually, and be used for food and pie as well.

Some kinds of Cushaw?

Cushaw pumpkin is called as winter squash, harvested from winter to spring in American south. The color is green striped, but many varieties are yellow or half yellow and green. We found bigger and smaller size, the bigger ones could reach to 20 pounds and 11 inch in diameter each. 

Nutritionist said that pumpkins contain vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Thus, very good for supporting health of our heart. Potassium also known as good mineral for control high blood pressure or hypertense treatments.