Where the pumpkins grow

LA FOIA DE CASTALLA is renowned for toy-making but also its pumpkins.

The area produces 4,000 tons a year, of which 3,000 tons are used for the ‘angels’ hair’ preserve found in so many Spanish cakes.  The remainder are used for crystallised fruit.

Drought reduced this year’s harvest by around 15 per cent and irrigation costs have increased their overheads, explained growers who said the crisis was making it harder to sell produce.