Pumpkin Season Has Arrived

More Than a Carving. The Story Behind British Pumpkins

As the days grow shorter and autumn takes hold, fields across the UK turn a vibrant orange, it’s pumpkin season!

While Halloween might be the star of the show, pumpkins are far more than a decoration. They’re a seasonal staple rooted in British farming, providing nourishment, biodiversity, and plenty of creative potential in the kitchen.

The Growth of a British Icon

Once a niche crop, pumpkins have become a key autumn harvest. According to the British Growers Association, more than 15 million pumpkins are grown across the UK each year, mostly between Kent, Lincolnshire, and Cambridgeshire.

For growers, pumpkins play an important part in the rotation cycle, helping rest and replenish soils between more demanding crops. Many farms growing pumpkins today are also committed to regenerative methods: planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and minimising waste by selling imperfect or surplus pumpkins for processing and feed.

Beyond the Lantern

At Thorogood’s, we champion pumpkins as part of the seasonal cycle, not just the spooky season. The flesh is packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium and its subtle sweetness works beautifully in soups, risottos, and bakes.

Chefs are rediscovering the versatility of pumpkins:

Roasted wedges with rosemary and sea salt

Pumpkin purée as a base for sauces or pasta fillings

Toasted seeds for a zero-waste garnish

We encourage everyone to carve creatively but cook consciously making use of the whole pumpkin and reducing the thousands that end up in landfill each November.

Supporting British Growers

Each year, we work with growers who take pride in cultivating pumpkins that balance quality with sustainability. Their efforts extend beyond the harvest supporting pollinators, enriching soil health, and maintaining rural landscapes.

So, as you pick your pumpkins this October, remember that every one has a story: of the farmer who nurtured it, the land that sustained it, and the care that keeps British produce thriving through the seasons.