Pumpkin to Plate

From the Pumpkin Patch to Your Kitchen

October is one of the most colourful and exciting times of year at Gullivers. As our pumpkin patch fills with bright orange pumpkins and families arrive to enjoy Pumpkin Fest, it's easy to see pumpkins simply as something to carve or decorate. However, behind every pumpkin is a delicious ingredient that can be transformed into warming seasonal meals, soups, bakes and family favourites.

At Gullivers, we love helping people connect with where their food comes from, and pumpkins are a perfect example of the journey from field to fork. Whether you've picked your own pumpkin, visited Pumpkin Fest or chosen one from the Farm Shop, there are countless ways to make the most of this seasonal harvest.

More Than Just a Pumpkin

Pumpkins are incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from soups and curries to cakes, muffins and savoury dishes. Their naturally sweet flavour makes them perfect for autumn cooking, while their bright colour and nutritional value make them a seasonal favourite.

Many people don't realise that smaller pumpkins are often ideal for cooking, offering softer flesh and a sweeter flavour than larger carving pumpkins.

This means that after a day spent wandering around the pumpkin patch, your pumpkin can continue its journey from decoration to dinner table.

Pumpkin, Farm Shop and Kitchen

At Gullivers, autumn is all about celebrating seasonal produce and the connection between what is grown and what ends up on the plate.

After exploring Pumpkin Fest and picking your perfect pumpkin, why not stay and enjoy lunch in the Kitchen? Our seasonal menu is inspired by the changing seasons and the produce available at this time of year, making it the perfect opportunity to continue your autumn day out with family and friends.

You can also visit the Farm Shop to pick up many of the ingredients needed for seasonal recipes, helping bring a little taste of Gullivers home with you.

Pumpkin & Roasted Vegetable Soup

A Simple Autumn Recipe

A warming bowl of pumpkin soup is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to use fresh pumpkin at home.

Ingredients

500g pumpkin, peeled and diced
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 litre vegetable stock
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional cream or crème fraîche to serve

Method

Preheat your oven to 200°C.
Place the pumpkin, carrots, onion and garlic into a roasting tray.
Drizzle with olive oil and roast for approximately 30 minutes until softened and lightly coloured.
Transfer the vegetables to a pan and add the vegetable stock.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Blend until smooth.
Season to taste and serve with fresh bread.

For an extra autumn flavour, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon before serving.

Make a Day of It

Whether you're visiting for Pumpkin Fest, enjoying Pick Your Own pumpkins, shopping in the Farm Shop or joining us for lunch in the Kitchen, autumn is one of the best times to experience Gullivers.

Every pumpkin has a story. From growing in the field to finding its way onto your kitchen table, each one represents the changing seasons, local food and the simple pleasure of sharing good food with people you care about.

This October, why not pick a pumpkin, stay for lunch and take a little piece of autumn home with you?