Pick Your Own Pumpkin Season is finishing up Sunday, November 3rd.

Varieties

Field Pumpkins

These are usually available in either orange or white and weigh between 15 and 30 pounds.

Sugar Pumpkins

These are excellent for making pies and other baked goodies and are a good size for your miniature pumpkin pickers. They weigh between 2 and 5 pounds.

Gourds

There are various types and colors of gourds to choose from. Shapes range from mini-pumpkins to crown shapes.

 Normal Prices

 

Field Pumpkins
.75/lb

Gourds and Unique Pumpkins
1.25/lb big, 2.50/lb small

Sugar Pumpkins
1.00/lb

 
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Did you know?

Did you know that the first pumpkin pie, if you can even call it that, was actually a whole pumpkin with the seeds removed? The cavity was then filled with honey, milk and spices and the whole thing was cooked in hot ashes! For more information about pumpkins and their history, click here!

Featured Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

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Ingredients
6 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 cups cubed fresh pumpkin
1 teaspoon fresh parsley
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
5 whole black peppercorns (or pepper to taste)
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Cut pumpkin into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.

Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender. Return to pan and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. If you're feeling extra fancy, use small, hollowed-out pumpkins as serving bowls!

Original recipe here.

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Farm Tip

For cooking purposes, choose smaller sizes, which will have a more tender, flavorful flesh. Select pumpkins that are free of blemishes, harvested with their stems intact, and those that feel heavy for their size. Store in a cool dry place, such as an attic or spare room (root cellars are too damp) at 45-60 degrees F up to a month, or refrigerate for up to three months. Higher temperatures cause the flesh to become stringy. For extended storage, wash skins in a solution of about a tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water to disinfect the skin and discourage mold or rot. Dry immediately as dampness encourages spoilage. If you find mold, wipe with vegetable oil to remove the mold and seal the spot. Leftovers can be frozen or canned.