The Zucca Berrettina di Lungavilla is a symbol of tradition and dedication of the Oltrepò Pavese, a vegetable with an ancient history and extraordinary flavour. With its blue-green colour and sweet flesh, it is perfect for creating both sweet and savoury dishes. Discover some tasty recipes that make the most of the unique qualities of this precious pumpkin.
The Zucca Berrettina di Lungavilla is much more than a simple vegetable, it is a living testimony to the love and dedication of the local community. In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, this variety of pumpkin, with its characteristic pale blue-green colour and unique shape, has become a symbol of the area‘s horticultural art. The inhabitants of Lungavilla have perfected its cultivation over time, handing down from generation to generation the agricultural practices that make it possible to obtain a product of the highest quality, appreciated not only in the kitchen but also as a symbol of cultural belonging.
The Zucca Berrettina is a variety of moderate size, but with an extraordinary flavour. Its sweet, creamy flesh makes it perfect for the preparation of numerous recipes, both sweet and savoury. It is precisely this distinctive flavour that has made the Zucca Berrettina an outstanding ingredient in the kitchen, allowing the creation of dishes that enhance its delicacy and versatility. Every year, the city celebrates this agricultural excellence with the ‘Festa di Succ’, an event that attracts enthusiasts from all over the region and beyond, an occasion to pay homage to the pumpkin and the people who perpetuate its cultivation with dedication and passion.
But beyond tradition and celebrations, what makes the Zucca Berrettina special is its ability to transform itself in the kitchen. Here are some tasty and easy-to-make recipes that bring out the best of the qualities of this extraordinary pumpkin:
1. Breaded Berrettina Pumpkin
Breaded Zucca Berrettina is a crispy and tasty dish. Thinly sliced, it is tossed in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before being baked in the oven until it forms a golden, fragrant crust. Perfect as a side dish or appetiser, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, balanced by the tanginess of the cheese and the crunchiness of the breadcrumbs.
2. Pumpkin and ricotta lasagna
The pumpkin and ricotta lasagna is a rich and comforting dish, combining the sweetness of the Berrettina pumpkin with the creaminess of the ricotta. Fresh pasta sheets alternate with layers of pumpkin and ricotta cheese, creating a harmonious and delicate combination, perfect for an autumn dinner. The final touch of Parmigiano gives the dish an irresistible gratin coating, making each bite a true explosion of flavours.
3. Pumpkin Ginger Cake
For those who love sweet flavours, Berrettina Pumpkin and Ginger Cake is a spicy and fluffy dessert. The pumpkin is blended and incorporated into the dough, together with a light spicy note of fresh ginger that balances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. This cake is perfect to serve with a cup of tea on cold autumn days, or as a light and aromatic dessert after a meal.
