Itâs pumpkin season again â that time of year when Lancaster doorsteps are dotted with glowing orange lanterns and kitchens start to smell of cinnamon, soup, and spice. Whether youâre carving, cooking, or just admiring them, pumpkins have become a true autumn essential.
Across the UK, we buy between 17 and 24 million pumpkins every year, spending around ÂŁ29 million â thatâs the equivalent of 108 average-priced homes! Itâs amazing to think that something as simple as a pumpkin can add up to that much.
Here in Lancaster, youâll spot pumpkins everywhere. From the shelves of Booths and Sainsburyâs to local farm shops around the area, theyâre a real seasonal staple. But whatâs surprising is that only 37% of pumpkins are actually eaten. The rest? Sadly, they often end up in the bin after Halloween. Itâs a shame because pumpkin flesh is delicious â and full of vitamins.
If youâve never cooked with one, why not give it a try this year? Pumpkin soup, roasted wedges, or even a spiced pumpkin loaf â itâs such a versatile ingredient. Plus, itâs a great way to make the most of what you buy.
I also love a good pumpkin fact â did you know the word pumpkin comes from the Greek word pepon, meaning âlarge melonâ? Or that the worldâs heaviest pumpkin weighed a whopping 1,226kg, grown by an Italian gardener in 2021? Thatâs heavier than most of the kitchens we measure when valuing homes!
As an estate agent, I canât help but draw the odd comparison. Buying pumpkins each year is a bit like homeownership â we all invest in things that bring us joy, whether itâs decorating our doorstep or finding that perfect home. And while pumpkins only last a few weeks, a great property (and a great community like Lancaster!) lasts far longer.
So, as youâre carving your pumpkin this October, take a moment to appreciate the simple joys of home â warmth, comfort, and a bit of creativity. Thatâs what autumn in Lancaster is all about.
Happy Halloween from all of us at JDG đ
Michelle x