As the seasons transition from summer to fall so do the products in the mercantile.
We have seen the last of the sweet corn and summer tomatoes but welcome mums, winter squash and pumpkins. And apples! We have several varieties of apples from Chestnut Creek Farm. There are also still plenty of fresh potatoes from the farm. Our honey providers are completing the final harvests for the year. Often this honey is darker in color due to differing nectar sources from the spring clover and tulip poplar. While the bees will continue to collect nectar and pollen from late blooming flowers it is important at this time of year to be sure to leave enough honey in the hive to feed the bees through the winter.
Some fun pumpkin facts – did you know..
- Pumpkins are actually a fruit.
- Each pumpkin has ~ 500 seeds.
- Evert part of the pumpkin plant is edible.
- Pumpkins are native to Central America but are now grown on every continent except Antarctica.
- There are over 45 types of Pumpkins.
- The largest, Atlantic Giants, can grow as much as 50# a day.
- Pumpkin provides a great source of beta-carotenes.
- The record heaviest pumpkin in the US was 2,258 pounds and grown in New Hampshire.
- The first Jack O Lantern was actually a carved turnip.
- Sheep love pumpkins! We have several plants growing in the pastures from seeds dropped by the sheep last year.
Look for Angie’s new pumpkin dog treats coming soon!
And you may want to try this recipe for a squash and apple bake from All Recipes:
The recipe calls for butternut squash but any of the winter squash would work fine. The Delicata and little Honey Nut squash are exceptionally sweet. For a ‘secret ingredient’ try adding 2 T cider vinegar to help enhance the flavors.