BANATA

Banata pumpkin, also known as Pink Banana or Pink Banana Jumbo, is a large-fruited mid-season variety bred in the USA and recently introduced to Russia. The fruits of this pumpkin have an elongated shape resembling a banana, ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 meters in length and up to 30 cm in diameter. The fruit weight varies from 4 to 9 kg, and can reach up to 18 kg with proper care. The skin is thin but dense and hard, colored in pink-orange hues, turning a characteristic pink with an orange tint upon reaching biological maturity. When a mature pumpkin is cut, the skin crunches, indicating its ripeness.

The pumpkin flesh is bright orange, dense, tender, and silky, without tough fibers. It is distinguished by high sweetness with a soft nutty aftertaste and a slightly subdued pumpkin aroma. Due to its taste qualities, the fruits are suitable for making baby food and baking without added sugar. The seeds of the variety are unusual — short, thick, and dense, with a pronounced nutty aroma and sweet taste, making them an excellent delicacy.

Banata pumpkin is characterized by high storability and good preservation during storage. When storage rules are followed, fruits can be kept until May, and the flesh retains its taste qualities for a long time when frozen, which is rare for pumpkins. The plant is light-loving and prefers well-lit areas protected from cold winds, which contributes to obtaining a high yield and quality fruits.