Lungavilla Berrettina pumpkins

This turban-shaped pumpkin is divided into two overlapping parts, with the upper part of a diameter greater. The name ‘berretta’ (bonnet), is the name given for the typical hat once worn by priests. It has a variable weight of 2 to 4 kg and is genetically different to the Dorno Bertagnina pumpkin. Produced in winter, the Berrettina pumpkin is harvested in the first half of September. Originally from South America, the pumpkin has been cultivated in the municipality of Lungavilla since the post-war period. The Berrettina pumpkin Association of Lungavilla has been coordinating its recovery since 2011. Samples are stored in the seed bank at the plant germplasm in the University of Pavia. It is suitable for both sweet and savoury recipes such as the traditional “nusἅt”, a savoury pie eaten on Christmas eve