Eight years of Oscar's Delica Pumpkins

mineral-rich soils, build complexity

Oscar’s land lies on the old reservoir of the river Po, where the clay soils are rich in minerals and organic matter — the key to nutrient-dense pumpkins.

withold irrigation, intensify flavour

However, clay soils retain water which pumpkins will absorb if given the chance, diluting their flavour. A skilled grower must limit water intake while still meeting the plant’s essential needs.

Oscar elevates his beds and uses sheeting to protect them from rainwater. Expertly monitoring irrigation, he ensures his pumpkins gradually absorb nutrients from the rich clay soil but not too much water — a rare feat.

30 DAY CURE, BRIX HITS 30

The traditional process of ageing and drying pumpkins is fast disappearing due to the time, space and management it requires. It is also an additional gamble: if the cure goes wrong, the grower risks losing the whole crop.

Oscar is committed to leaving his fruits to cure in a woodstove-heated barn for up to 30 days, removing 30% of the moisture content and concentrating the sugars in the dense flesh. This means their Brix levels can hit 30 — that’s 30-50% sweeter than a melon.