When is the best time to harvest Hokkaido pumpkins and how long do Hokkaido actually keep? All the answers and tips are here.
One of the most popular pumpkin varieties is the Hokkaido pumpkin. It tastes slightly nutty, reminds a little of chestnuts and has a juicy, low-fiber pulp. In addition to the delicious taste, the Hokkaido pumpkins are not that big, making them ideal for small households. You can also eat the skin of the Hokkaido pumpkin, which means less waste.
But the best thing is that the pumpkin can be kept for several months. Provided, of course, that it was harvested at the right time and stored optimally. Because there are a few things to consider. If you follow the tips, you can enjoy the delicious fruit long after the harvest time.
Hokkaido pumpkin harvest - when is the best time?
Note:
The Hokkaido pumpkin must be harvested before the first frost!
Although the Hokkaido pumpkin is already flashing through the greenery in August, the harvest season usually doesn't begin until in September and then drags on until November. But it can also happen that your pumpkin is ripe earlier. That depends on the weather and the time of sowing. It is important that you only harvest the pumpkin when it is fully ripe.
How to test if the Hokkaido pumpkin is ripe
Tap the pumpkin very lightly. If you hear a hollow sound, you can assume that the Hokkaido pumpkin is ripe and ready to be harvested.
» Important note:
If it is very wet and cold around harvest time, it is advisable to remove the squash when it is unripe, otherwise it will could rot. If you store the pumpkin temporarily in a warm and dry place, it will ripen a little longer.
How to harvest the Hokkaido pumpkin correctly!
How you harvest the squash depends on how you use it afterwards.
- If you plan to store it, you should hold the base of the stem and a few inches of the stem from the fruitleave. If you don't do this, it won't be long before the pumpkin starts to rot. If you cut the fruit off the plant (sharp knife or secateurs), be careful not to damage the fruit.
- If you want to process the fruit right away, it doesn't matter that much whether the stalk is still attached.
How to store Hokkaido pumpkin properly
In principle, it is possible to store the ripe pumpkin for up to eight weeks. However, this only works with whole fruits that do not show any damage. If you have to cut the squash, it can stay in the fridge for a maximum of four days.
Important factors for pumpkin storage
- cool location
- dry location
- whole fruit better than split fruit
Freezing is recommended to store the pumpkin for a significantly longer period of time. You don't have to cook it beforehand, you can simply cut the fruit into portions and place them in the freezer.
Hokkaido pumpkin harvest - all tips at a glance
When is the Hokkaido pumpkin ripe?
The Hokkaido squash is ripe when you hear a hollow sound when tapped. Further indications of maturity are that the skin of the Hokkaido can no longer be scratched (fingernail test) and the base of the stem has turned from fresh green to woody brown.
When can I harvest Hokkaido pumpkin?
The main harvest time for the Hokkaido pumpkin is between September and November. The important thing is that you harvest the Hokkaido before the first frost.
How long does a Hokkaido pumpkin keep?
A ripe, undamaged squash can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to eight weeks. Once cut, the Hokkaido pumpkin will keep in the fridge for up to four days.