Mixed Squash and Munchkins: Overcoming Challenges and Planting for Tomorrow
This season, MWW Farms faced a series of unexpected challenges, particularly for our beloved squash crops. Early rains delayed our planting schedule, and a cooler, cloudier-than-usual summer limited sunlight, ultimately impacting yields. But despite these setbacks, our resilient team persevered, cultivating a vibrant array of squash varieties that bring an abundance of colour, flavour, and versatility to tables across the UK.
Our mixed squash varieties offer unique tastes, textures, and culinary versatility—perfect for autumnal cooking and seasonal décor. Here’s a closer look at some of our most popular varieties:
Harlequin: Small and acorn-shaped with a speckled green and white skin, Harlequin squash has a deliciously sweet flavour and smooth texture that’s ideal for stuffing or roasting. This variety also boasts an excellent shelf life.
Festival/Celebration: Known for its beautiful striped rind, the Festival (or Celebration) squash brings a nutty flavour to the table and is as visually striking as it is tasty—perfect for autumn displays.
Table Star: With a buttery flavour and deep green ridges, the compact Table Star is a high-yield variety that's perfect for baking and just right for smaller households.
Casperita: Nicknamed the “ghost” pumpkin for its pure white skin, Casperita adds a touch of elegance to autumn dishes and displays. Its size is perfect for single servings.
Sweet Lightning: With its orange-and-white stripes, Sweet Lightning squash offers a sweet, chestnut-like taste, ideal for roasting or even as a base for desserts.
Munchkins: Varieties like Jill Be Little and Gold Spec are adored for their petite size and charming pumpkin shape. Versatile and eye-catching, these mini pumpkins add a festive touch to both meals and decorations.
In response to growing demand, we increased our squash planting by 30% this year, achieving an impressive 1.2 million squashes—enough to stretch an incredible 144 kilometres from MWW Farms to Leeds if lined up end-to-end! While the wet conditions made harvesting tricky, leading us to rely on hand-picking instead of machinery, our team’s commitment made it possible to deliver an exceptional crop.
With this season behind us, we’re already looking forward to 2025. We plan to boost production by an additional 25%, aiming to reach a remarkable 1.6 million squashes.
Here’s to a new year filled with growth, resilience, and exciting opportunities!
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