Amid a challenging year for pumpkin cultivation, supermarkets are cautioning consumers about the likelihood of encountering green-tinged pumpkins due to one of the most difficult harvests on record.
Persistent wet weather this spring, compounded by slug infestations, significantly affected pumpkin farms across the country. While pumpkins are expected to ripen to the festive orange hue at home, the early season adversities have led to many still carrying a distinct green tinge at purchase.
Supermarkets like Asda are already advising customers not to be alarmed by the pumpkins’ unusual appearance. A representative confirmed that despite these challenges, the supermarket chain expects no shortage in supply and anticipates selling approximately 1.8 million pumpkins this season.
Julian Marks, Chief Executive of Barfoots, a major pumpkin supplier, explained that early plantings were severely affected by weather conditions, with some failing entirely. Although efforts were made to replant once conditions improved, not all pumpkins have matured to the desired colour. ‘There is quite a lot of green out there,’ Marks noted, ‘but they are perfectly good for carving and will look wonderful when lit from within.’
Slugs have further exacerbated the issue, as noted by National Trust gardeners who attributed the reduced harvest to these pests. According to Jack Ward, Chief Executive of the British Growers Association, pumpkins do not fare well under such damp conditions, and slugs remain a significant concern. Nevertheless, Ward mentioned that while the season has been challenging, it was not universally poor across all growers.
In contrast, other retailers, such as Morrisons and Tesco, report that their pumpkin supplies are unaffected, suggesting a variable impact across different regions and cultivation approaches.
Despite a season fraught with difficulties, consumers can expect a steady supply of pumpkins for Halloween, albeit with some potentially greener specimens than usual. The issue highlights the broader impacts of changing weather patterns on agriculture and the resilience of supply chains in adapting to such challenges.
