You can’t visit a supermarket in October without coming across a large display of pumpkins. Unfortunately, they are not usually sold for eating. Pumpkins have become popular in October due to their use at Halloween, but it’s a shame that most people will throw away the edible part and just use the flesh for lanterns. 

Pumpkins, Squash and Gourds are a great winter food, as they will last many months and are absolutely delicious roasted or in soups. They vary in size, colour and texture, so it’s worth trying a few to find one that offers the best flavour for your palette.

Growing your own is very satisfying and it allows you to grow varieties that you can’t usually buy in the shops. It’s also a chance to get kids interested in gardening by encouraging them to grow the biggest or the strangest.

Many people have tried making pumpkin soup, but it’s not the only use for these great vegetables. Why not serve roasted pumpkin slices as a side to your Sunday dinner? Or use the orange flesh in a curry or tagine? There is definitely more potential for the pumpkin than the Halloween Jack-o-Lantern.