WHAT IS A JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN?
This winter pumpkin is native to Jarrahdale, Australia and is great in soup or pie! The bluish color of this heirloom gives it almost a smurf-like coloration and size (growing to only about 10 lbs / 4.5 kg). However in some cases they can grow to over 100 lbs / 45 kg in size. This hybrid is actually the offspring of a Cindarella pumpkin and Hubbard squash. The squash gives the Jarrahdale its sweet flavor and color and the Cindarella its shape.
WHY ARE JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN GOOD FOR YOU?
Like all pumpkins they’re rich in fiber, vitamin C and carotene. In fact they’re so rich in carotene that if you actually consume too much your skin will take on an orange tint!
WHEN ARE JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN IN SEASON?
Planted all over the world now, they take about 5 months from seed to harvest. In North American they’re collected before the first frost usually in mid to late October.
HOW SHOULD JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN BE STORED?
If stored properly they can last for 3 to 4 minutes. Store them in a cool, dark place like your garage or basement. However make sure to place your pumpkins on top of cardboard (not directly on a concrete floor or they’ll rot). Wipe them down with a sterilizing agent (a mix of vinegar and lemon will work). Then place them upside down and you’ve got a back up reliable fresh vegetable option for winter.
WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO CUT A JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN?
Click here to see!
WHAT IS A JARRAHDALE?
So the pumpkin is named after the town in Perth, Australia. And the town is located in a nearby valley (or “dale”) next to a jarrah forest. Rich in sandalwood, the town throughout the 1800s and early 1900s experienced economic booms and busts along with the lumber mill occasionally burning down and being rebuilt. Sadly there is almost nothing known about the pumpkin inventor who made this name famous around the world.
