At the Alaska State Fair last summer, visitors were crowding around displays showcasing giant produce, and a record-setting eggplant became one of the fair's biggest talking points.
The oversized produce is also a reminder of what careful growing, patience, and planning can accomplish.
What happened?
According to Your Alaska Link, in the fair's Big Barn, fairgoers saw massive pumpkins, huge cabbages, and a new state-record eggplant as growers showed off their gargantuan veggies.
The outlet reported that Annie Bell, a master gardener in Ohio who grew up in Alaska, said she was excited to photograph the giant entries.
"Well, I'm a master gardener in Ohio, and they are very proud of their vegetables there, and I couldn't wait to come and take pictures," Bell said to Your Alaska Link.
The outlet noted that the cabbages drew some of the strongest reactions from visitors. Gary Dietrich, a gardener from Oklahoma visiting Alaska, said he had wanted to see the giant vegetables in person for years after watching them in specials and on TV shows. He noted that the cabbage heads he grows at home are usually just 2 or 3 pounds, while Alaska's giant versions are on a different scale entirely.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
The fair's Pumpkin Weigh-Off drew first-time competitors as well as longtime growers, Your Alaska Link reported. Dale Marshall, a veteran giant pumpkin grower, took first place with "Bean Bag," which weighed 1,820 pounds.
Why does it matter?
Giant vegetables are a showcase of the skill, patience, and planning behind successful food growing.
While these giant produce are for show, in general, home gardening can help people stretch grocery budgets, enjoy fresher produce, and feel more connected to the food they eat. Even if most gardeners will never grow a record eggplant or a massive pumpkin, the same basic practices can still produce healthier backyard harvests.
What's being done?
Competitions such as the Pumpkin Weigh-Off reward experienced entrants while also making room for newcomers ready to try something ambitious for the first time.
Janet Flaherty, who entered with fellow competitor Tress Whitfield, said she had watched the event for years before deciding to participate. Your Alaska Link reported that their pumpkin, "Polly Pumpkin," fell short of the minimum weight, but the pair is already planning another attempt.
Your Alaska Link reported that first-time competitor Ron Passeralla took second place with his 71-pound pumpkin, "Galactus." Marshall, meanwhile, welcomed the growing field of contestants and noted that even smaller entries can still win prize money.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
