Fairytale pumpkins are a variety of winter squash that has a sweet, buttery flavour that is ideal for pumpkin pies. They can be roasted, baked, sautéed, steamed, or eaten raw. Fairytale pumpkins are huge, flat squash family (Cucurbitaceae) members with sweet, edible flesh that is ideal for cooking and baking. It is a winter squash with large, deep ribs that transforms from dark green to orange-brown when ripe and can grow to 20 pounds or more. It has orange-yellow flesh. It is occasionally referred to as a "cheese pumpkin," but this has nothing to do with its flavour. Rather, the phrase refers to any pumpkin with a flat shape similar to a wheel of cheese.
Musquée de Provence, Moscata di Provenza, and Castilla squash are all names for fairytale pumpkins. They are members of the Cucurbita moschata species, which originated in the Caribbean. Their blossoms, known as flor de calabaza, are occasionally used as an ingredient in traditional pupusas in the Philippines, Mexico, and El Salvador.
Fairytale pumpkins, as winter squash (technically a fruit), can remain up to 100 days on the vine, as compared to summer squash, which can be harvested in as little as 40 to 70 days. This extra period is critical in giving winter squash, such as fairytale pumpkins, their hard shell. Fairytale pumpkins are unique among hard-shelled winter squash cultivars in that they are one of the only cultivars that may be eaten uncooked. Fairytale pumpkins are popular in France, where they are sold at fairs in wedges.
How Are Fairytale Pumpkins Used?
Fairytale pumpkins can be prepared using any of the standard pumpkin preparation methods. Baking is a popular method to enjoy fairytale pumpkins, especially when creating pumpkin pie. It can also be roasted, which gives forth more sweetness, as well as sautéed, simmered, and steamed. It can be used in casseroles, pasta and risotto dishes, stews and curries, soups and sauces, and as a pizza topping once it has been cooked. It goes well with ground meats, chicken, sausage, grains, and other squash and goes well with nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic. In addition to pies, fairytale pumpkins can be used to bake cookies, cakes, and muffins.
Fairytale pumpkin can also be eaten raw as a snack, in salads, or as a garnish on top of spaghetti or braised meat meals. To roast fairytale pumpkins, cut the pumpkin into wedges along the ribs, then scoop out the seeds and pulp. Brush the pumpkin flesh lightly with olive oil, season with salt, and bake in a 400 F oven for about 40 minutes, rotating once. The flesh will be soft after cooking.
How Do Fairytale Pumpkins Taste Like?
Fairytale pumpkins, like butternut squash, have a rich, buttery, sweet flavour and a smooth, dense texture. They get sweeter when roasted because the starches caramelise and transform into sugar.
How To Store Fairytale Pumpkins?
A whole fairytale pumpkin can be preserved in a cool, dark spot away from sunshine for up to nine months. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week after being cut. When the rind is removed, the meat can be frozen and kept for up to six months in the freezer.
