Produce recently spotted at The Market
Produce Briefs...
Butternut Squash
Producing a rich, golden-yellow flesh with excellent texture, Butternut squash is one of the most popular varieties of hard winter squash. Butternuts are a smooth, long-necked bowling pin- or bell-shaped squash, encased with a pinkish-tan, hard rind.
Blue Lake Beans
In the early 1980´s blue lake beans replaced the old fashioned KY (Kentucky) bean as the standard variety sold in super markets in the United States.Florida is the leading producer of green beans in the US.
Description/Taste
Blue pumpkins tend to have deep, rounded ridges running from top to bottom. The skin ranges in color from dusky blue-gray to blue-green with a striking deep, orange flesh. Many varieties of blue pumpkin are known for their exceptionally sweet flesh which when cooked has a smooth, favorable texture.
Seasons/Availability
Blue pumpkins are available in the fall.
Current Facts
There are numerous varieties of blue pumpkins, such as: Queensland Blue, Australian Blue, Jarrahdale, Blue Doll, and Blue Moon. Blue pumpkins are extremely popular in Australia where they are prized as a cooking pumpkin because of their thick flesh and superior flavor.
Nutritional Value
Produce with bright orange flesh like the Blue pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene which is converted by the human body into vitamin A.
Applications
Blue pumpkins can be used as you would any fresh pumpkin. Their sweet flavor lends itself well to pie fillings, scones and cakes. Alternately you can use roasted pieces in risottos, salads and pasta dishes. Cook till soft and use as a filling for ravioli or incorporate into dough when making gnocchi. Dice and add to curries, soups and stews. To showcase its unique exterior color slice into wedges leaving the skin attached and serve roasted or grilled.
Geography/History
Blue pumpkins are commonly grown in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Like many pumpkins, Blue pumpkins grow well in full sun and prefer warm, moderately moist summers. Do not harvest pumpkins until they reach their appropriate size and turn the color of their particular variety.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Blue Pumpkins. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Blue Pumpkins using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 635 days ago, 10/07/15 Spotter's comments : Blue Pumpkins spotted at Specialty Produce. cheyennes road market Near Evesham Township, New Jersey, United States About 650 days ago, 9/21/15 Spotter's comments : Blue Pumpkins spotted at cheyennes road market. |
