Belluno Holy Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima)

Belluno Holy Squash (Cucurbita maxima): This ancient variety was once grown in the Belluno Valley along the edges of cornfields. Only after the Second World War did it begin to be cultivated in rows, always by family and rarely commercial farmers, usually by planting in May after generous fertilization with manure. It is commonly grown on supports as a climbing plant for home cultivation. Harvest takes place from September to October. The fruit is large and round, flattened at the tip, and weighs approximately 3 kg on average. The tough skin is usually green but sometimes has pink hues and large yellow areas with numerous streaks. The pulp is a deep yellow-orange in color and contains numerous white seeds; its sweet flavor makes it perfect for any type of preparation, from the most common gnocchi and traditional risotto to savory homemade desserts like pumpkin bread. In 2011, the Belluno Holy Pumpkin Protection Consortium was established to promote this traditional product. The Consortium guarantees the quality and traceability of this unique vegetable and participates annually with its produce at the famous Pumpkin Festival organized by the Caorera Pro Loco, in the municipality of Quero Vas, in the lower Feltre province.