Australians can add a fresh flavour to their favourite pumpkin soup or roast dinner recipe after a new pumpkin variety was launched at Coles thanks to two North Queensland farmers.
Des and Paula Chapman from Rocky Ponds, Gumlu, near Bowen, are growing the new Kabocha pumpkin, which offers a sweeter and nuttier twist on the winter food staple, following a successful two-year trial period by the family business.
Rocky Ponds managing director Des Chapman said he was thrilled to see the big, bright orange pumpkins on Coles’ shelves after enjoying the vegetable for two-years with his family in Gumlu.
“We discovered the Kabocha pumpkin when we were travelling in Europe a few years ago,” he said.
“We snapped off a piece and ate it raw. It was delicious – just on its own.
“We decided there and then that we’d source the seeds and bring them to Australia.
Coles general manager of fresh produce Brad Gorman said Coles sells more than 10 million kilograms of pumpkins each year, making them one of the most popular vegetables on their shelves.
Source: goodfruitandvegetables.com.au
