In permaculture we look for plants that give in many ways from a single effort and pumpkin is a clear example. The young tendrils are the first gift. When they are soft and straight they are crisp and full of flavour, perfect for eating raw. Once they begin to twist and coil the plant is using them for climbing and they lose that tenderness, so we pick only the early ones for the salad bowl.

The flowers are another offering. They can be stuffed and roasted, made into a simple bhaji or added straight into a salad. Each flower brings a gentle sweetness and a delicate texture. Pumpkin reminds us that a single plant can supply many foods at different stages of its life if we learn to observe and harvest with care.

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Parangikkai

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