A huge pumpkin, weighing in at almost 25kg has been donated to Enfield Council’s staff canteen by one of Enfield’s councillors.
Associate Cabinet Member for Enfield South East, Cllr George Savva, grew the spectacular squash on his allotment plot in Barrowell Green, near Palmers Green, alongside his 5-metre-tall sunflowers and 2-metre-long marrows.
Cllr Savva has always been an avid gardener and is keen to show what can be grown in Enfield’s allotments. He said: “I think having an allotment has so many benefits and I would love to see more residents giving it a go. It’s sociable, I grow healthy food using no pesticides or chemicals and at the end of the day, I am able to get fresh, seasonal food that’s good for the heart.”
The pumpkin has been kindly donated to the Civic Centre’s canteen where it is destined to become a nutritious ‘humus’ dip and a soup. The seeds, which are high in iron, selenium, calcium and beta-carotene may be toasted and served with salads.
The canteen was recently awarded a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant’s Association. Enfield Council is the first local authority in the United Kingdom to receive this award, which recognises its work in sustainably sourcing, cooking and serving food and supporting local food businesses.
If you are interested in renting an allotment plot, see our allotments page. In addition, follow @EnfieldCouncil on social media where you can find out about our services, including information on living healthily and reducing food waste.