Musquée de Provence/Fairy Tale Pumpkin Seeds - (Cucurbita moschata)

Musquée de Provence/Fairy Tale Pumpkin

A gorgeous French heirloom pumpkin that averages about 15–20 lbs each and is deeply ribbed, looking exactly like fairy tale pumpkins in children’s storybooks.

The large plants have enormous leaves and can produce heavily in fertile soil. The fruit start off a mottled forest green, ripening to a rich bronze, terracotta or mixed brownish blue-green color with deep brilliant-orange flesh.

The very fine-grained flesh is considered by many to be superior to any other for baking, pies, pancakes, soups or roasting. If you love pie, this pumpkin is particularly well-suited for that, especially after slow roasting.

One customer said, “It’s like a spicy-smelling, mild cantaloupe.”

History

Originating in the south of France, they were introduced to the US by Vaughan's Seed Store of Chicago in 1899.

Uses

It is one of the only pumpkins that are eaten raw. In Provence, France, these pumpkins are sold fresh by the slice and eaten immediately. Sliced thinly from the middle like a wedge of cheese, the flesh is thick, dense, meaty and the flavor is complex and sweet with a light crunch. They almost beg to be roasted to caramelize the sugars and richen the flavors.

An extremely long keeper, just as delicious after keeping for 9 months as they are fresh. Another gardener said they ate their dining room decoration after 5 months!

Growing Tip

Pumpkins like lots of heat to develop. Make sure to plant where there is plenty of sun, or against a south facing wall as a heat source in the northern areas.   

Radishes are inter-planted among pumpkins in France to keep the aphids at bay.

Learn More

• Grow Great Pumpkins from Seed to Harvest
• Roasted Pumpkin Puree
• 3 Great Heirloom Pumpkin Recipes
• Pumpkin-Orange Cheesecake
• Thanksgiving Turkey and Pumpkin Soup

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