Pumpkins

Although pumpkins are grown in most counties of California, production tends to be concentrated near population centers because most pumpkins are sold in local markets or directly to consumers. San Joaquin County produces the most, followed by Sutter County. Although most pumpkins are grown for the Halloween season, they are also grown for ornamental purposes and for processing. Planting dates depend on the variety’s growth rate: most are planted in June or July for Halloween harvest. As with melons and other cucurbits, the buildup of whitefly populations in Southern California’s low desert during the spring and summer increases damage and disease to the point where pumpkins cannot be grown for fall harvest. the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.

Pumpkins typically require 90 to 120 days from emergence to maturity. Timing of planting is critical. Although varieties are rated according to the number of days to maturity, the actual growth time varies with average temperatures and solar radiation (more time is required in cooler coastal areas).
Halloween pumpkins should be mature and have a good color 1 to 4 weeks prior to Halloween.

Crop inputs are land prep, labor, mechanical upkeep, crop growth (fertilizer, water, pest control, harvest), insurance, regulatory compliance, education, etc.

Marketing includes grocery store, farmer's market, and direct to consumer at u-pick farms.

Bearing Acreage: 2,560

Yield Per Acre: 23.43 Tons / Acre

Total Tons: 59,900 Tons

Gross Total Value: $24,801,000

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Data Source: San Joaquin County Crop Report, 2019. https://www.sjgov.org/WorkArea//DownloadAsset.aspx?id=33165

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Added Value: Essential Food Production, Essential Worker Employment, Education, Research

Van Groningen & Sons Pumpkin Pie

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cup Pamper'd Pumpkin

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup borwn sugar

1 pinch salt

1/2 tsp.cinnamon

1/4 tsp. allspice

3 eggs

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup water

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Directions

1. Clean your Pamper'd Pumpkin, remove the stem and seeds. Cut pumpkin into squares. Put into large baking dish, cover with foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until tender. Scoop out flesh from skin and puree until smooth. If there is excess liquid, let stand for 30 minutes and drain with a cheese cloth.

2. Blend sugars, pumpkin & spices mixing until smooth (1 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, a pinch of salt, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. allspice).

3. Then add 3 eggs and blend just until mixed. Add 1/2 cup evaporated milk and 1/2 cup water and blend just until mixed.

4. Pour filling into pie crust 2/3 full, transfer to oven, and finish filling to the top when inside the oven.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour (or until set & crust is cooked). Time and temperature may vary according to individual ovens. 

Notes: The eggs have to go in after the pumpkin or else you will get too much air in the eggs & your pie will have bubbles. Do not over mix the eggs or milk.