If you’re heading to the Bekaa around this time of year, keep an eye on the roads. You’ll start spotting little tents and roadside stalls piled high with pumpkins and gourds in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors.
As pumpkin season rolls in, the Bekaa Valley transforms into every autumn lover’s dream. Farmers set up seasonal stalls along the roads, giving you a chance to stop, pick out a pumpkin or two directly from local growers, and, of course, take a few photos while you’re there.
There isnβt one official “Pumpkin Souk” to put into your GPS. Instead, you’ll find seasonal tents and roadside stands scattered along the roads between Kefraya and the Beirut-Damascus International Highway, particularly around the Ammiq area in the West Bekaa.
Here’s a stunning shot of the one in Kherbet Qanafar:
Another spot that has become a familiar stop is 3a Tari2ak on the main road in Aana, West Bekaa. It’s pretty hard to miss, with a selection of fresh pumpkins in different colors, sizes, and varieties.
You can reach them on +961 3 726 876.
Pumpkin season usually starts toward the end of summer and continues through the fall, with September and October being particularly good months to find fresh pumpkins. The season can stretch into mid-November, depending on the harvest.
The Bekaa is known for several pumpkin varieties, including white and red pumpkins. The white variety can grow impressively large, with some reaching more than 60 kilograms, while the red variety is generally smaller, weighing around 7 to 10 kilograms and known for its richer flavor.
And thereβs plenty you can do with them once you get one home, including kebbeh kazzebe, also known as kebbet la2teen.
It’s a great excuse to finally plan a roadtrip to Bekaa, especially if you have pumpkin carving on your bucket list for spooky season. Check out the #Fall section on our website for more!
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