Pumpkins picked before ready

[dragonetteMember]

Hello

I had to rescue a few large pumpkins from a small flooding. I’m not sure which type they are as I bough a variety pack. They could be green ones …or un-ripe orange ones! If I picked them too early, will they be good for the compost bin or can you eat them?

Many thanks

Ness

[charlesModerator]

 A good way to check for ripeness is skin being firm and the stalks dry enough that a knife struggles to cut through them.

As you say, if you know the variety you can tell by the colour. Yesterday I harvested some unripe Uchiki Kuri, after frost had almost killed the plants, and some fruits are bright yellow instead of deep orange, so I shall eat them soon, while the half ripe and slightly orange squashes may store if kept warm and dry. Last night I ate some ripe Hungarian Blue and it is absolutely delicious, so sweet and rich.

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