Squash 'Luxury Winter Pie'

Winter Luxury Pie squash ( Cucurbita pepo ), offered by seed company Northern Wildflowers, is a winter variety known for its tender, sweet flesh and rough orange skin.

Maturing in 90 to 100 days, it is particularly popular for making delicious pies. Native to North America, this squash is a perfect addition to winter recipes, adding a rich, warming flavor to your dishes.

Exposure : Full sun
Growth cycle : 90 to 100 days to maturity
Height : Approximately 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet)
Growth Type : Creeping
Packet Size : Approx 20-30 seeds
Heritage : Heritage variety ideal for baking and cooking

Cultivation method:

Winter Luxury Pie prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost or start them indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting. Plant seeds about 2cm deep, spacing plants 45-60cm apart, with 1m of space between rows to allow the vines to spread. Regular watering is essential, especially during flowering and fruit formation.

It combines well with companion plants such as corn, beans and nasturtium, but should be kept away from potatoes and other cucurbits to prevent disease.

Recipe: Winter Luxury Pie

Discover an easy recipe to enhance this squash in a comforting sweet tart.

Ingredients :

• 1 shortcrust pastry or shortcrust pastry



• 1 small Winter Luxury Pie squash (about 1 to 1.5 kg)



• 2 eggs



• 200 ml of liquid cream



• 150 g sugar



• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon



• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger



• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg



• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves



• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions :

Preparation of the squash:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).



2. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds and bake for 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.



3. Let cool, then remove the flesh and blend until smooth.

Preparation of the filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the cream, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Mix well.



2. Add the squash puree to this mixture and stir until you have a smooth filling.

Assembling the pie:

1. Spread the dough in a pie dish and prick the bottom with a fork.



2. Pour the squash filling into the mold.



3. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

Cooking :

1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned.



2. Let cool before serving.

This Winter Luxury Pie is perfect for fall or winter evenings, with its sweet taste and comforting spices. Enjoy!