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Noel Doherty tells of how the pumpkins are grown, how they are tended to and how you can grow your own for next year.

He shared the tips ahead of the annual Pumpkin Sale and Country Market this Saturday, October 29 at the IOSAS Centre.

Everyone can choose a pumpkin and there will be a photo area, fancy dress, market stalls, organic veg, pumpkin soup, plenty of Halloween treats at the cafe and lots and lots of fun. It takes place at from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Noel Doherty, pictured with some of the pumpkins on Whiteoaks Acorn Organic Farm in Derryvane.

Everyone is welcome.

Check out the video to hear Noel talk all about this year’s pumpkins. The team at the cafe also very kindly shared a gorgeous recipe for a lovely butternut and pumpkin soup.

Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins

Cooking time 25 mins

Serves 6

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 onions finely chopped

1kg diced pumpkin

500g chopped squash

1tbsp of five spices

700ml of vegetable stock

150ml of double cream

Method

1. Heat oil in a large sauce pan cook onio0n until softened.

2. Add pumpkin and squash and 5 spice stirring occassinsoly until it softens.

3. Add vegetable stock with salt and cracked black pepper, bring to the boil then

simmer for ten minutes.

4. Blend with a hand blender to a smooth purée for an extra- velvety consistency add

150ml of double cream.

Serve with homemade wheaten Bread.

Whiteoaks Acorn Centre's head gardener shares the secrets of their fabulous Jack O'Lantern pumpkins