A pumpkin like no other

One of my colleagues brought into the office the other day the pumpkin ‘Galeux D’Eysines’. Bringing in veges to the office is something we often do – sharing in the bounty – but this pumpkin, instead of being shared to eat has now been adopted and adored by all! It is considered way too beautiful to cut; the pumpkin now proudly sits on the front desk for all to wonder at and admire. In fact it even came to our Christmas Party. I’ve never seen a vegetable get so much attention.

Pumpkin Galeux D’Eysines – warts and all!

Cucurbita maxima ‘Brode Galeux D’Eysines’ is an elegant French heirloom. It’s a large pumpkin, weighing in at 5-6 kg, with salmon-pink coloured skin. What’s particularly beautiful about it is that it is covered with peanut shell-like warts caused by sugar in the skin, as it ripens. Hence its name ‘Brode Galeux D’Eysines’. While sounding so romantic it actually translates to ‘embroidered with warts from Eysines’. Any injury to the fruit’s skin will result in the formation of new warts as a protective covering. The GH team has carved their initials into the skin and each one is slowly forming new warts. Gorgeous.

Pumpkin Galeux D’Eysines ripening on the vine

Great for regions that are hot and humid, Galeux D’Eysines is easy to grow. The flesh is sweet, moist, orange and isn’t stringy, so it can be used for baking and makes delicious soups. It stores for up to 6 months and you know which one to pick first because – you guessed it – it will have the most warts!

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Tags: vegetables

Posted in Organic Gardening