Pumpkin Gone Viral: Mattapan Man’s Giant Gourd Grown In City Garden Scores Big
Is that time of year…pumpkin showing season! After the growing, there’s the showing, at state fairs, festivals and various other fall events. There was quite a show put on in Colchester, Vermont last weekend for the Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. Since then one pumpkin has gone viral- Mattapan man’s giant gourd grown in the city scored big! Don’t you love all the fun stuff Fall has to offer?
How Big Is It?
According to boston.com, Jamaica Plain resident Michael DeMarco somehow managed to grow a 376 pound pumpkin in just a 240 square foot community garden plot. I can’t get my mums to stay alive! And they are hearty fellas. This is talent. Michael told the news site that he’s had the plot at Mattapan’s Shangri-La Community Garden since 2021. Apparently, he’s tried to grow super-pumpkins before. He said it’s very involved and time consuming. It takes about 100 days to grow a larger than life pumpkin.
Size Isn’t Everything
If you’ve been to the Topsfield Fair, you’ve likely seen pumpkins much bigger than DeMarco’s. Most of the “winning pumpkins” chime in at over 1,000 pounds. What made his gourd the big deal in Vermont was the fact that he grew it in such a small space and in city soil. That is quite a feat. Not to mention, he had to haul it up to Vermont.
Michael’s pumpkin placed 10 at the Vermont Giant Pumpkin Growers Association event. At under 400 pounds, a pumpkin there is no big deal. What is the big deal? The spotlight shined on it’s ability to grow in not exactly ideal circumstances. And in a rather unusual place. Right smack dab in the middle a city.
The 10th place gardener shared with boston.com, “living in the city, we don’t really have garden space on the property. If you want to garden locally, it’s a community garden or nothing.” Vermont’s state secretary of agriculture, food and markets chimed in calling DeMarco’s pumpkin a “big story” at the weigh-in. See the pumpkin gone viral-Mattapan man’s giant gourd grown in a city garden that scored big!
One of the BIG stories at the annual #Vt Giant Pumpkin weigh in began in Boston. Mike Demarco hauled his pumpkin to Colchester Sat. & it weighed 367 pounds. Mike grew his giant pumpkin at a community garden in Mattapan. He loves the Boston vibe & working the city soil @seracongi pic.twitter.com/YXBLsJ63HL
— Anson Tebbetts (@anson_ag) September 16, 2023
Beyond Pumpkin Spice: 8 Other Fall Flavors That Steal The Show
Apples
Apples and the fall season are often linked and commonly used in Halloween activities and various desserts. When autumn rolls around, apples ripen into those sweet goodies people adore, making them the stars of the show in loads of fall recipes, from apple crumble cakes to good old apple pies. And let’s not overlook the classic favorites of apple cider and cider donuts.
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon has the perfect Fall vibe, especially when you mix it with classics like apple, sugar, or vanilla. While it enhances the taste of traditional autumn recipes, cinnamon can also stand on its own. This sweet spice is like the secret ingredient for giving your treats that homemade autumn taste. So, whether you’re spicing up your morning joe, cookie dough, or even a hearty stew, just a dash of cinnamon will cozy up your recipe game.
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Caramel
Caramel is a go-to sweet treat when the weather gets cooler. You can just drizzle it over almost anything baked, whether it’s warm apple crisp or a big scoop of ice cream. And if you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of sea salt can take it up a notch. It’s a perfect match for Fall classics like apples, ice cream, or brownies.
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Maple
Incorporating a touch of maple can infuse your dish with an ideal blend of sweetness and earthiness. This delightful maple essence works wonders in desserts such as maple buttercream frosting, maple cookies, and even pumpkin pie. It also shines in savory dishes like maple bacon, maple-glazed salmon, and chipotle maple chicken wings.
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Almond
Almonds are another fall favorite. They add a cozy, nutty taste to both sweet and savory dishes, like almond cake with chai or salads with autumn fruits and veggies. They make everything from pumpkin pies to roasted Brussels sprouts even more delicious. So, this Fall, remember that almonds are one the flavors of the season.
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Pecan
Pecans are a prized autumn nut, celebrated for their sweet, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Pecan pies, pecan bars, and candied pecans are just a few examples of how these nuts are featured in Fall desserts. Their distinct taste and texture make them a must-have during holiday gatherings.
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Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a beloved Fall ingredient, known for their earthy sweetness and versatility. They take center stage in classic dishes like sweet potato casserole and sweet potato fries. Packed with nutrients, they offer comfort and wholesomeness in every bite, making them a staple of Fall meals.
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Cranberry
Known for their tartness and vibrant red color, cranberries bring a zesty kick to Fall meals. Whether in the form of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving or dried cranberries in salads, they add a burst of flavor that balances the richness of other fall dishes. Cranberries are a nod to the season’s crispness and festivity.
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