The domestically grown peanut squash begins its ‘official’ harvest period, as some earlier pieces can be harvested earlier. So during these last days of August and first weeks of September we go to the orchard to pick the fruit after months of care in the field.
Being pumpkin growers allows us to innovate every season to improve cultivation processes and obtain the best fiddle gourds, as this type of pumpkin is also called. Here are two examples:
- The pumpkin seeds we use allow us to extend the life of the fruit.
Working with the best varieties of pumpkin seeds offers us some privileges, such as the excellent quality of the fruit and that the pumpkins remain in better condition for longer.
In this way, we are promoting a longer life for domestic pumpkin in the market and a shorter period for imported pumpkin. In addition, their organoleptic qualities remain intact during those extra months. That is to say, this extra period of life does not affect its flavor, quality, texture and color.
- We also grow pumpkins of traditional varieties.
Pumpkins of traditional varieties have the advantage of going one step further in quality. They come from our own seeds, selected year after year, with the aim of producing high quality pumpkins and contributing to the preservation of these traditional pumpkin varieties.
Growing them is more complex because they are more delicate and have a lower production per hectare, but the result is worth it.
When is peanut squash planted?
At Peris we plant two crops of domestically grown peanut squash per year, adapted to the Mediterranean climate, since our fields are located in the Valencian Community, Andalusia and Castilla La Mancha.
The planting period for peanut squash is in spring, when temperatures begin to rise and the risk of frost has decreased. Therefore, the ideal month in this production area is March. However, if very low temperatures are expected, it can be delayed to April or May, with the help of protective tunnels to promote safe growth.
How is pumpkin planted?
In general you can choose to plant the peanut squash directly from seed or seedlings developed in a nursery. At Peris we always opt for planting the seed already germinated. This is for several reasons, culturally it is the way it has always been done in the Valencian huerta and we also consider that it offers better results.
In addition, there is an implicit sustainability issue, because direct sowing implies a greater consumption of seeds, since normally several seeds are used per plant hole, and once germinated, the most vigorous one is left and the others are eliminated.
Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil properly to ensure healthy growth. The ideal soils are those that offer good drainage and have good nutrients for the plant’s roots to take root and grow strong.
When the pumpkin plant becomes vigorous, the first flowers will appear. The flower of the pumpkin can be male or female, and both appear on the same bush. The female flowers will become fruit, the male flowers will do their fertilizing work. And both will behave in the same way: they will open during the day to attract pollinating insects and close in the evening to maximize pollination efficiency. Nature is wise!
When are peanut pumpkins harvested?
About four months after planting the peanut squashes, they will be ready for harvesting.
Knowing when the pumpkin is at its perfect time to be harvested is relatively simple, just keep in mind a few important details:
- Your skin will become tougher.
- The tonality will also change, depending on the variety, from green to orange or beige. In the case of the pumpkin varieties that we plant at Peris, they will be a soft orange color.
- Striking the fruit with the knuckles will give us a compact, hollow, resonant sound.
- Look at the leaves of the plant, they will begin to dry out and lose color.
- The peduncle of the pumpkin will begin to dry out.
How to harvest peanut pumpkins?
Harvesting pumpkins and storing them are two very important steps, as important as planting and caring for them during the growing season.
Ideally, cut the pumpkin using pruning shears, leaving a small piece of stem or stalk. This helps prolong the life of the pumpkin and prevents damage to the fruit.
If they are to be stored together, avoid bumping the pumpkins against each other. Their skin, although tough, is delicate, and any injury can accelerate its deterioration.
Easy and delicious recipes with pumpkin
Peanut squash is a very versatile food in the kitchen with which you can prepare many recipes. On our Instagram page you have several reels with very easy pumpkin recipes that we are sure you will love. Here are two:
If you want to see more ideas for cooking with pumpkin, our recipe page has more options:
And to show you the enormous possibilities of pumpkin in your recipes, here are 3 ways to cook pumpkin, so you can experiment and create your own dishes: raw, roasted and boiled pumpkin. Each option will offer you different textures of the pumpkin.
For the recipes you can use whole pumpkin or canned and chopped pumpkin. It all depends on the amount you need and the time you have to cook.
Properties of peanut squash
The health benefits of pumpkin are remarkable. By eating pumpkin, peanut or otherwise, you will be providing your body with essential nutrients for its proper functioning, because this food is a source of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Its low calorie and fat content makes it perfect to be present in diet menus because it is a very satiating food that promotes intestinal transit.
Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and to the maintenance of blood pressure at adequate levels.
Vitamin A contributes to iron metabolism and to the maintenance of normal skin and normal vision. Also, to the proper functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin C contributes to the formation of collagen, which is essential for the normal functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth. It also helps reduce fatigue and protects our cells against oxidative damage, among many other benefits.
Now you just need to know how to how to choose the best pumpkin for your recipes! And for that, we also have information to bring you. In this video we give you good tips to choose a quality pumpkin in your grocery store or supermarket.
And remember, if the pumpkin is Peris or Frutifresh, you can’t go wrong!