Category Archives: pumpkins
Three Ultra Rare Squash Grown for Seed
It was a tough Winter for these rare beauties, but these are some of the success stories from the first season of seed saving ultra rare squash from around the world.
These are part of an effort to save some of the world’s rare food crops from extinction.
It’s what’s on the inside that matters…
The Spring harvest: Rocker’s, Kikuza,Hawaiian Butternut, and Black Kabocha
Rare Yervian c.Pepo squash soaking up the rains
Well after 15 years plus of drought in the area, it is now the rainiest season in years. This well timed ultra rare squash from Armenia burst through it’s protective paper bag as it absorbed the gorgeous rain. I use brown (8 lb) lunch bags to shield against the “double whammy” of Pickle worm and the tropical Melon (Fruit)fly.
Sitting amid the pumpkin bounty
That is me sitting in the shade of the pumpkin “curing station” surrounded by the fruits of my labors. How do you choose? Each has a distinct color, texture, flavor and moisture level. Many Chefs enjoy trying a few and find the ones that they most enjoy. A signature squash if you will.
Vegan Squash Soup With Cilantro and Fennel Fronds
In honor of the Gettle Family’s farm visit, I tried to get my vegan game on by creating this lovely little number. Great for that window of opportunity, when you have last season’s squash on the counter, and new Spring herbs sprouting in the garden…or on your windowsill.
Recipe:
I made a homemade mushroom simple stock in a crock pot the night prior. Just bits of stems and some onion, salt and pepper, set the crock pot on low overnight. The next morning I added one can of good quality coconut milk, then used a blender to puree. Be cautious with putting the lid on tight when blending hot soup! In the last blender batch, I added a handful of the tips of young fennel fronds, and cilantro leaves. I removed most of the stems. I added a touch more salt and it was done.
Top with a pretty fennel frond. I have served this soup hot or chilled, and also have spiced it up by adding a dollop of Thai Yellow curry and serving the chilled soup to hungry beach goers.
Enjoy!
A Behind the Scenes Look at Marketing Squash
Dream Keeper- A new Hawaii grown variety
Dark green, with light green and gold freckles, Dream Keeper is a new organic squash that I created by cross-pollinating two strong C. Moschata strains. The result…a beauty that is virtually mildew and bug proof without sprays. On the inside she is as gorgeous as a Hawaiian sunset.
Can You Even Recognize It?
(Left: a May 1 image of the month old farm, at Right: the same view with additional planting beds fully realized six months later.)
One quarter acre all filled out after 7 months of farming. We can do it, everyone! Every inch of soil…and it is now deep rich soil, was lovingly built with one woman (me,) one shovel, and a fair bit of focus.
A Beautiful Harvest
Squash and Awe 