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Rouge Vif d’Étampes pumpkins love warmth, sun, and space. Sow seeds indoors in small pots using peat-free organic compost. For best germination, keep temperatures at 20°C or above and sow seeds point-side down, about 1.5cm deep. Keep compost moist until germination, then grow plants on in good light.
Harden off carefully and plant out after all risk of frost has passed, from late May. Plant in full sun, spacing plants 90–120cm apart, and allow vines plenty of room to spread. Water regularly and let fruits fully mature on the vine for the best flavour and colour.
Sow indoors: April to early June
Plant out: Late May to July
Harvesting time: September to October
Check out our Grow & Cook section for more growing tips.
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Rouge Vif d’Étampes has rich, flavourful flesh with a gently sweet, nutty depth that works beautifully in both savoury and sweet dishes. It’s delicious roasted in wedges, diced and folded through risottos, or cooked down into a velvety soup.
The deep orange flesh also shines in pumpkin pies and baked dishes. Because of its higher water content, we recommend puréeing and straining the cooked flesh before baking to achieve the best texture. Traditionally, in parts of Europe, the hollowed shell was even used as a natural soup tureen - a lovely nod to its culinary history.
Check out our Grow & Cook section for more cooking ideas.
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Check our frequently asked questions page for answers to all those questions you might have.
If you have a specific question, feel free to reach out to us at hello@fattomato.ie