Pumpkin season has returned to the North Fork — and that means flavored lattes and craft beers will be cropping up at local cafes and breweries. But it is not just beverages that get an infusion of pumpkin come October — and it’s not all pumpkin pie either. Stephan Bogardus, executive chef at The Halyard at Sound View in Greenport, often takes a savory approach to the seasonal squash.
“What I like most about pumpkin is that it has one of those smells that immediately takes you back to childhood,” he said. “There are a lot of things you can do with it. It is almost like the fall version of a strawberry because it is all about aroma. When you roast it in the oven, whether it is for soup or puréed with some sage and brown butter, it has the power to transport you.”
Bogardus has previously used pumpkin to create elevated seafood dishes. After roasting the pumpkin for about one hour at 300 degrees, he makes a simply spiced purée in a food processor. The purée is then topped with seared scallops and mushrooms.
“The sweetness of the scallops works perfectly with the sweetness of the pumpkin and then the mushrooms bring out the savory nuances of the squash as well,” Bogardus said.
Pumpkins are available through the end of October (sometimes until mid-November, depending on the weather). Get them locally at Fink’s Country Farm in Wading River, Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm in Aquebogue, Helen’s Greenhouses & Flower Farm in Aquebogue or Krupski Farms in Peconic, among others. See our guide to U-pick pumpkins on page.
Apples, eggplant, potatoes and squash are also in season this month.
Fun Facts
• An average-sized pumpkin contains about one cup of seeds.
• Pumpkins were once used to get rid of freckles and treat snakebites.
• 80% of the country’s pumpkin crop is available during October.
• Pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica.
• Sales of pumpkin-flavored items totaled more than $414 million in 2017.
• The world’s heaviest pumpkin weighed more than 2,600 pounds.
• Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
Health Benefits
• Excellent source of potassium
• Helps maintain normal blood pressure
• Rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant
• Good source of Vitamin A, which helps preserve vision and fight infection
— According to The Mayo Clinic
Nutrition Information
Amount per 1 cup (116 g):
Calories: 30
Protein: 1 gram
Carbs: 8 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Fat: 0 grams
Vitamin A: 197% of RDI
Vitamin C: 17% of RDI
Iron: 5% of RDI
Potassium: 8% of RDI
— According to the United States Department of Agriculture
What’s in season is sponsored by Farm Credit East.
Where to pick pumpkins on the North Fork
Andrews Family Farm and Greenhouses
631-929-5963
1038 Sound Ave., Wading River
Extras: Corn maze
Fink’s Country Farm
631-886-2272
6242 Middle Country Road, Wading River
Extras: Live music (noon-4 on weekends), corn maze, animal farm, hayrides, bounce house, pig races, playground
Gabrielsen’s Country Farm
631-722-3259
1299 Main Road, Jamesport
Extras: Corn maze, bounce house, hayrides, games, music, children’s train rides (Saturday and Sunday)
Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market
631-722-8777
4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Extras: Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., farm animals, lavender labyrinth, cart track
Greenland Family Farms
631-734-5791
17155 County Road 48, Cutchogue
Extras: Hayrides (on weekends)
Harbes Western Farm
631-722-2022
1223 Main Road, Jamesport
Extras: Day and night corn mazes, games, bounce house, lasso roping, bow-and-arrow shooting activities
Harbes Family Farm and Vineyard
631-298-0800
715 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Extras: Day and night corn mazes, hayrides, bounce house, pig races
Harbes Family Farm and Orchard
631-369-1111
5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Extras: Day and night corn mazes, farm animals, pony rides, hayrides, pedal carts
Helen’s Greenhouses & Flower Farm
631-722-5076
987 Union Ave., Aquebogue
Extras: Hayrides, farm animals and corn maze (weekends only)
Hodun Farms
631-369-3533
3674 Route 25, Calverton
Extras: Hayrides
Krupski Farms
631-734-7841
38030 Route 25, Peconic
Extras: Corn maze, haunted barn, hayrides
Lewin Farms/Baiting Hollow Nurseries
631-929-4327
812 Sound Ave., Calverton
Extras: Corn maze
May’s Farm Stand
631-929-6654
6361 Route 25A, Wading River
Extras: Corn maze, hayrides, music
The Pumpkin Patch at Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm
631-298-4619
20685 Main Road, Mattituck
Extras: Evergreen maze, fire pit, wine and cider tastings, children’s train rides (Saturday and Sunday)
Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm
631-727-1786
2287 Sound Ave., Calverton
Extras: Corn maze, wooden climbing structures
Schmitt’s Family Farm
631-983-6565
3355 Sound Ave, Riverhead
Extras: Fresh cut flowers, hanging baskets, fall décor, homemade baked goods
Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm
631-722-3467
270 West Lane, Aquebogue
Extras: Corn maze, pony rides, make-your-own scarecrows
Verderber’s Garden Center
631-722-4388
459 Route 25, Aquebogue
Extras: Corn maze
Windy Acres Farm
631-727-4554
3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton
Extras: Corn maze, farm animals, hayrides
W. Zilnicki Pumpkins
631-727-0408
Sound Ave., Riverhead
Extras: Corn maze
