A Fall Farm Visit with Unique Pumpkins and Squash

It's been a very busy weekend for us and one of the things we did was to visit
Carpenter Farms
just outside of Adrian, Michigan. I can't believe we have lived 30-ish miles away from this
place for years and never knew about it. Well, we know now and I am thrilled!

They have amazing prices and a huge assortment of pumpkins and squash. You can shop
until you drop and then some. If you haven't started your fall decorating yet, this post
should surely get you in the mood. 

This is a real pumpkin that was grown by the inmates at the Gus Harrison
Correctional Facility Adrian, Michigan.

Can you say HUGE?

This grain bin is inside their huge pole barn that also houses another smaller grain bin
with a bit of corn in it for children to play in.

Look at all these

BABY BOOS!!!

25 cents each!!!

I was in heaven!

 Can you believe that ALL THE ABOVE pumpkins and gourds were only

25 cents each also?? 

They had very unique pumpkins and squashes and I loved reading each sign.

I am a specialty pumpkin/squash

JARRAHDALE.

I am a native of Australia. The golden-yellow flesh is medium sweet, string-less and is
very good quality for baking. I will make a great addition to your fall decorations.
The skin is quite hard, so use caution when cutting this one open. If stored in a cool, dry
place it will keep for up to three months. I am a cross between a Blue Hubbard and a
Cinderella. 

PORCELAIN DOLL:

I am a specialty Pumpkin/squash

Porcelain Doll is an exotic pink pumpkin. The pink pumpkin is very eye catching for all holiday
decoration. Porcelain Doll exhibits deep ribbing with an almost square appearance and exotic
pink exterior. Porcelain Doll's deep-orange, sweet flesh can be used for pies, soup and
culinary delights.

YUGOSLAVIAN FINGERS

I can be eaten as a summer squash when young, or when I'm mature I make an
interesting conversation piece on your fall display.

 My name is

TURKS TURBAN

I am a winter squash.
An old time favorite for traditional fall decorating. The red color will deepen as the fall
progresses. It can be eaten and is terrific stuffed with meat loaf. Sadly, today it's cooking
qualities are overlooked and it is most often used as a decorative gourd.

My name is

LONG ISLAND CHEESE

I am a specialty pumpkin squash.

This heirloom variety is widely remembered as a great pie squash by the people in
the New York and New Jersey area. It was prominently used throughout the 1800's.
It's coloring and flattened shape suggests a wheel of cheese thus the name.

My name is

FLAT WHITE BOER

I am a pumpkin. Perfect for pies etc.

Large Speckled Apple...a gourd.

Speckled Swan...a gourd.

LUNCH LADY

I am a gourd. It is not edible , but makes a great decoration.

BLUE HUBBARD

I am a winter squash.

This squash is known by its huge size, funky shape, blue-gray color, and very
hard skin that makes it especially long lasting in winter storage.  The meat inside
is orange, sweet, flavorful, and fine grained. Great for baking, pies and soups.

PINK BANANA

A winter squash

I have a sweet, yellow-orange flesh that is excellent for pies, baking, canning
and homemade baby food. I can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

My name is

GALEUX D'EYSINES ...pronounced Gal-OH deh-ZINE

I am a winter squash.

An elegant French heirloom with an appropriately elegant sounding name.
Magnifique! This stunning squash has beautiful salmon-peach colored skin
covered with peanut shell-like warts caused by sugar in the skin. Traditionally used in
France for soups and sauces, when cooked, the sweet, orange flesh is as smooth as velvet.
Each flattened squash weighs 10-15 lbs. and can store for up to 6 months. Definitely a show
stopper in the garden or on the table.

SQUASH NECK PUMPKIN

relative to the butternut squash

Did you learn anything? I sure did! I never know for sure what were pumpkins and what were
squash and I didn't know so many of them could be eaten.

Have you started decorating yet? I have. I think I am almost done. Maybe I can get some
pics posted soon.

HAPPY FALL to everyone!!