What’s happening, my little purveyors of provisions?
I have seen my fair share of fads rise and fall and have developed a skill for identifying things that are coming in or going out of style. I have become a tastemaker of sorts, a real trendsetter, and would like to take this opportunity to share…
A few things that are “In” and “Out” for this Fall of 2023:
In: Stardew Valley
Out: The Term Tastemaker
In: Fall Fruit Trees
Sure, summer stone fruits are nice and winter citrus is something I always eagerly await, but nothing beats eating seasonally. Not only is it the time to celebrate apples, but many other varieties of tree fruit are also ready to be enjoyed! Don’t miss out on pomegranates, Asian pears, and all of those wonderful varieties of persimmons including Fuyu which are in the shop now!
Out: Jack-O’-Lantern Type Pumpkins
In: Pie Pumpkins
To prove its aptitude, a pie pumpkin’s forte can be broken down into a few well-defined categories:
1. Taste: Also known as a sugar pumpkin, this squash is more widely known for its flavor. This sweeter-tasting squash is far better suited for confectionary delights. I mean, being called a ‘pie’ pumpkin is not an ironic title.
2. Shape: The jack-o’-lantern pumpkin is well known for having deep grooves in its rind that make it nearly impossible to peel. In contrast, a pie pumpkin’s outer shell is very smooth and thin which makes its removal far more ‘a-peel-ing’! (I’ll see myself out). Its typically round appearance also aids in its evenly distributed processing.
3. Texture: Remember pulling out the guts when carving a jack-o’-lantern? That stringy texture is impossible to use in the majority of pumpkin-centered recipes. The pie pumpkin has a smoother texture that increases its number of applications. You can both cut it into chunks to bake or even blend it into puree.
4. Density: A pie pumpkin’s rind is much thicker in relation to its counterpart. The ‘seed pocket’ is far less pronounced which makes this pumpkin weigh more for its size. When purchasing a pie pumpkin, you’re getting far more ‘meat’ and less waste product than your average jack-o’-lantern.
When you take a step back to see the facts, you too will be holding your head in bewilderment, wondering how you’ve been so misguided for so long. Things are going to be ok, my friend. Think of this as a new beginning, a fresh start in giving the pie pumpkin its proper recognition. Make this a great Autumn season and take advantage of all the culinary possibilities of these round-rinded delights.
