Friday, 17 October 2025 - 12 minutes
It is almost Halloween, the leaves have turned golden brown and orange and it's time to pick your pumpkin!
More than just Halloween décor, pumpkins are a type of winter squash that’s been cultivated for thousands of years, as the Dales Chef explains. Native to the Americas, they’re packed with nutrients, flavour, and history.
From creamy soups and spiced lattes to jack-o’-lanterns glowing on porches, pumpkins are a seasonal staple that blend tradition, taste, and a touch of magic.
Whether you’re carving one or cooking it, there’s something undeniably comforting about this humble gourd and we've got the inspiration in this edition of the Dales Chef, for a ghoolish Halloween!
What's the difference between a shop bought large one for carving and a farm grown one for cooking with? Bruce explains, ahead of unloading 50 from the back of his car, as he gets ready for his daughter's school pumpkin patch!
So, as the pumpkins grin and the skeletons dance, remember—if your jack-o’-lantern starts whispering your name… it’s probably just the wind. Probably.... (cue the chilling laughter)
From picking to carving, cooking and eating - it's Pumpkin season!
We look forward to this years cheese festival here in the Dales
As it starts to get colder we look at that favourite of winter warmers - Soup!