Australians can add a new flavour to their much-loved pumpkin soup or roast dinner, with the launch of a new pumpkin at Coles which offers a sweeter and nuttier twist on the winter food staple.
North Queensland farmers, Des and Paula Chapman from Rocky Ponds are growing the new Kabocha pumpkin, following a successful two-year trial period by the innovative family business.
Rocky Ponds Managing Director Des Chapman said he was thrilled to see the big, bright orange pumpkins on Coles’ shelves after enjoying the vegetable for two-years with his family in Gumlu.
“We discovered the Kabocha pumpkin when we were travelling in Europe a few years ago. We snapped off a piece and ate it raw. It was delicious – just on its own. We decided there and then that we’d source the seeds and bring them to Australia. Now two years later, we’re so excited to share this delicious variety with Coles’ customers.
“We’re always looking for new and different produce to grow at our farm. We have about 500 trials a year, and we won’t settle unless we’re confident in the taste and quality after extensive tests. We’ve tried cooking Kabocha in every way you can imagine, and every time we tried it, everybody loved its unique, sweet and nutty taste.
“We’re so grateful for Coles’ support along the way and taking the chance on our Kabocha pumpkins. If customers prove to enjoy the variety as much as we do, we have plans to partner with more Queensland farmers to grow Kabocha all year round,” Des said.
Coles General Manager Fresh Produce, Brad Gorman, said, “Coles sells more than 10 million kilograms of pumpkins each year, making them one of the most popular vegetables on our shelves.
“We know our customers love the traditional pumpkin varieties so we’re pleased to support Rocky Ponds to bring customers an exciting new type of pumpkin to try in their meals,” he said.
Des and Paula Chapman started their business, Rocky Ponds, 38 years ago and have been supplying to Coles for more than 15 years with fresh fruit and vegetables including rockmelons, honeydew melons and capsicums.
Last year, Rocky Ponds received a $400,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund to build a state-of-the-art nursery with fully computerised irrigation and fertigation system to boost productivity by up to 20 per cent and create 15 new jobs. The technology will mean the farm can be controlled anywhere in the world.
Kabocha pumpkins are best served roasted, steamed, mashed, stewed or even used in desserts and are available at Coles supermarkets in all states and territories, excluding Western Australia.
