Patisson - pressing block 10x10 cm

The patisson is a pumpkin-like fruit (Cucurbitapepo). Patissons are about 15 to 20 cm in size, white, yellow or green in color and have a pointed shape. They are also sometimes called emperor's hat, bishop's hat or prince's hat. Like all cucumber-like fruits, this one is native to South and Central America. The Incas, among others, could really appreciate it - mixed with corn and green beans. Colombus did not fail to notice the fruit either, as he put quite a few plants in his galleon bound for Spain. When the patisson arrived on the Iberian Peninsula, it was first used as an ornamental fruit. As the pumpkin's little cousin, it was soon allowed to help decorate many gardens and decors. Also in the vegetable garden, our patisson is a rather decorative creeper plant with beautiful large orange flowers, from which the fruit emerges.

CULTIVATION TIPS:
The patisson is a plant that is very sensitive to night frost, so definitely do not plant out too early. Normally you can plant out from mid-May without risk. Also keep in mind that the plant needs a lot of space. The pattison grows best in a sunny environment because it likes heat. For these reasons, planting on a compost heap is certainly not a bad idea, the heat released by the compost is a benefit for the pumpkin (this also applies to patisson of course). Patissons need a lot of water, so try to keep the soil moist but not too wet. On very hot days it is advisable to water even twice a day, as the large leaves evaporate enormously.

CULINARY:
One can prepare patissons like pumpkins. They can be used to make soup or stuffed with minced meat, for example, as a casserole. However, patissons are also easy to cook in the microwave and taste delicious with fish. You can also use them as an ornamental fruit, for example in flower arrangements. The patisson has a delicate flavor, yet its decorative character continues to play a major role on the plate. Both the larger and the miniature patissons can be scooped out and filled with soup or all kinds of deliciously prepared stews. In that case, just cut off a wide, flat lid from the top. From the bottom, you can cut a thin slice to make it easier to keep it straight.

HARVEST AND STORAGE:
It is best to harvest the patissons with a knife when the fruits are about 15 to 20 cm tall. By leaving a relatively long stalk on the fruit you can preserve the patisson longer. You can also harvest very small fruits, which will taste best in the end. Keep an eye on the small fruits because in a few days they will grow into large fruits and exhaust the plant completely.

PROBLEMS AND DISEASES:
The main disease in pumpkins is powdery mildew. This disease can be recognized by the white spots on the leaves. Mildew usually occurs later in the season. The leaves will die but you will suffer virtually no loss of production.