Why Suffolk is the best place to find pumpkins for Halloween

Halloween is approaching fast and there is no denying that one vegetable enjoys it’s hey-day around this festival – the pumpkin. Of course, there is nothing intrinsically supernatural about this large orange food, but its abundance during these autumn months has lent it to being used for both food and fun.
‘Pumpkin’ carving is thought to have originated in the 1800’s in Ireland.

There are various myths and stories from folklore as to why the practice began and in fact, it was not the pumpkin that was the first vegetable to be used in this way, but the turnip. Then, with many Irish moving to America, it was there that the jack-o-lanterns became what we all now know so well – grotesque faces carved into a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Suffolk, being so rich in agriculture and traditional growing and selling outlets, means there is a wonderful selection of places where you can find your perfect pumpkin – whether it be to carve or eat. Of course, while there, you may be tempted by many of the other delicious produce on offer.

Here are five great places to shop for local produce, to get you started:

1. Alder Carr Farm
   Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9a.m. – 5p.m.
   Alder Carr Farm, Creeting St Mary, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 8LX
   T: 01449 720820
   www.aldercarrfarm.co.uk
2. Hollow Trees Farm
   Opening hours: Mon-Sat 3:30a.m. – 5:45p.m. Sun & Bank hol 9a.m. – 5p.m.
   Hollow Trees Farm Shop, Semer, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 6HX
   T: 01449 741247
   www.hollowtrees.co.uk
3. Suffolk Food Hall
   Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9a.m. – 6p.m. Sun 10:30a.m. – 4:30p.m.
   Suffolk Food Hall, Wherestead, Ipswich, IP9 2AB
   T: 01473 786610
   www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk
4. Emmerdale Farm Shop
   Opening hours: mon-Sat 9a.m – 5p.m. Sun 10a.m. – 4p.m.
   Emmerdale Farm Shop, Westleton Road, Darsham, Saxmundham, IP17 3BP
   T: 01728 668648
   www.emmerdalefarmshop.co.uk
5. Willow Tree Farm Shop
   Opening hours: Mon 2p.m. – 6p.m. Tue-Sat 9a.m. – 6p.m. Sun 10a.m. – 5p.m.
   Willow Tree Farm Shop, Lower Road, Glemsford, Sudbury, CO10 7QU
   T: 01787 280341
   www.willowtreefarmshop.co.uk

We would love to see your own fantastic carved pumpkins so why not send us a picture of your creations for us to share here, at So Very Suffolk.

Last Updated on March 3, 2023