The Malutka pumpkin variety is a compact plant with small fruits that differ in shape and feature bright colors. Fruits can be spherical, ovoid, flattened, or pear-shaped, with colors ranging from white-gray and pink to rich orange and dark green. The weight of mature fruits ranges from 1.5–2 to 3.5–4 kg, making them convenient for carrying and use in portioned dishes. The flesh is juicy, thick, dark orange, with high content of dry matter, sugar, and vitamin C, providing a pleasant sweet taste with a slight nutty note. This plant is not only decorative but also easy to grow. The vine can grow up to 4 meters tall in summer, using its tendrils to support on arches, gazebos, fences, or house walls. Up to 40 small fruits can form on one plant, ensuring high yield. Large leaves and yellow flowers add to the decorativeness, while fruits are often used to create autumn compositions after drying. The Malutka variety is early-ripening and stores well after harvest. It is suitable for growing on sunny, wind-protected plots with fertile and well-drained soil. In cooking, these pumpkins are used to prepare various dishes such as porridge, soups, pies, and jam, thanks to their sweet taste and convenient size, allowing for portioned preparation.
