Germany sees worlds largest Pumpkin paddling festival

BERLIN: Autumn is said to be the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. And there’s certainly nothing more fruity than a water race using giant pumpkin as a boat. The Kürbis Regatta at the annual Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, in south-west Germany saw a host bloated specimens being paddled in front of a former royal palace. Much of the fruit – and yes they are indeed fruit, botanically-speaking – weighed in at over 200lb before having all their flesh scooped out so that racers can fit inside. But the festival also sees a more traditional contest where gardeners around Germany see if they can grow record-breaking pumpkins. The weight to beat is just over 1,400lb. Also – perhaps unsurprisingly – the restaurant at the 17th Century Castle Ludwigsburg makes use of the pumpkin flesh, with dishes including pies, curries and hearty stews.