Le Potiron

Bright orange pumpkins are as much a feature of the autumn landscape in the South-West as they are of the country markets in September and October. As the dense summer vegetation dies in the potagers and fields, these unlikely fruits, bigger than footballs, swell and deepen in colour as they mature. The huge orange and gold globes look absolutely splendid, lying on the earth in a state of torpor or sunning themselves on the dry-stone wall of a farm or cottage. Called either le potiron or la citrouille according to colour, the pumpkin came from the New World and, as it likes the sun, it responds particularly well to the long, hot summers of the region. Pumpkins are a great favourite with the peasants, perhaps because they grow to such an enormous size and so will feed large households. Their other added attraction is their good keeping quality; after drying they are stored in dry cellars or attics until needed during the winter.