We are getting questions from pumpkin lovers across the country about whether or not we have an ample supply of canned pumpkin.  The answer is a resounding YES!  While many pumpkin farms across the country have struggled with their crops last year and this year, here in Oregon our Organic Pumpkins are flourishing.  The bumper crop of Farmer’s Market pumpkins will help ensure Americans get their canned pumpkin for pumpkin pie (and also for soups, muffins….even as an oatmeal topper!)  Farmer’s Market brand organic pumpkin is available at many of your favorite retailers nationally.  Our products are sold through many online retailers as well.  If you are a retailer and wish to bring our products into your store, just let us know at info@farmersmarketfoods.com

What is it about pumpkins that makes people so happy :) ?  Is it the memories of Thanksgiving?  The taste?  Jack-o-lanterns?  The autumn orange color?  The nutrition?  Tell us!

In November 2008 we were rated the best pumpkin puree by Real Simple. We were really happy to see that their testers enjoyed our pumpkin for their holiday recipes.

But the secret to the best pumpkin starts long before Thanksgiving rolls around…

After harvest our soil is planted with cover crops to help with nutrient management and to build organic matter. Pumpkins are great at drawing things from the earth, which means we invest a lot of thought and care into making the soil healthy.

In the coming months, we will plant seeds that have been saved from last year’s harvest. Saving seeds is an important tradition in agriculture, and on our farm we grow a special variety of pumpkin that is naturally sweeter in flavor and has a bright orange color. Each year we choose the “cream of the crop” pumpkins and save their seeds for planting.

Check back with us as summer rolls around to watch the progress of our pumpkins in the field.

This pumpkin bread recipe is simple and oh so tasty - we bake this for visitors, friends, and customers. It uses olive oil instead of the lighter tasting vegetable oil, and the result is heavenly. Perfect with a good cup of hot tea or coffee for that morning boost of vitamin A.

What can we say…pumpkins make people happy.  Whether the association is a childhood trip to the pumpkin patch and pumpkin carving sessions (or an after-Halloween backyard pumpkin smashing)… pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving… Cinderella’s carriage… pumpkins seem to glow purely positive in our memories.  So, it should come as no surprise then that pumpkin as food really is something to smile about.  Loaded with nutrition and taste, organic pumpkin puree is a great staple item to keep in the cupboard.  I routinely add a can to stew, chili or spaghetti sauce just to increase the sauciness and add flavor. The fact that I am getting extra servings of fiber and beta carotene seems like a bonus.  So, pumpkin lovers out there, a question for you: What are some interesting ways you use pumpkin puree in your cooking?  Do share!