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Pumpkins are more than just a Halloween symbol, they are versatile, nutritious and great for cooking and decorating. When it comes to choosing the right pumpkin for you, not all pumpkins are created equal. Some are for carving, others for eating in pies and soups. Whether you are making jack-o-lanterns, cooking up a holiday dish or trying to grow pumpkins, knowing the types can make all the difference.
Knowing the characteristics and uses of different pumpkin varieties will help you choose the right one. Some have thick, sweet flesh for baking, others have big hollow interiors for carving, and there are even mini pumpkins to use as decorations or as part of your autumnal table setting.
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By knowing which one to pick, you can make your Halloween and seasonal cooking a real success. Get into the world of pumpkins and see how you can use this versatile fruit in your Halloween and beyond.
Sugar Pie Pumpkin
Sweet and dense, the Sugar Pie pumpkin is used mostly to bake. It has a smooth texture and rich flavour for pies, bread and soups. It has a small size weighing around 1.8 to 2 kg, making it easy to prepare in the kitchen. When choosing a Sugar Pie pumpkin, look for the one with a deep orange colour and has firm smooth skin. It is great for cooking and also a cute fall decoration option.
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Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin
According to the name, this pumpkin is the one to carve for Halloween. It has thin walls and a big hollow interior, making it easy to carve without fighting with thick flesh. These pumpkins can weigh 4.5- 5 kg, which is a good size to work with for your Halloween creations. It is not the best choice for cooking because it has stringy and watery flesh.
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Baby Boo Pumpkin
Baby Boo’s are small in shape and white in colour, they are used for decoration and not cooking. The small size and white colour make them perfect for tabletop decorations, centrepieces and fall crafts. Although they are mainly used for decorations, you can also cut out the flesh, making it hollow and use them as small bowls for dips or snacks.
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Cinderella Pumpkin
The Cinderella pumpkin is named after the fairytale carriage; it is flat and orange-red. It is originally a French variety known as "Rouge Vif d’Etampes," it is good for both decoration and cooking. The thick sweet flesh is great for soups, stews and roasted dishes, and its shape is a beauty on your seasonal decor.
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Also Read: Pumpkin Soup In Mini Pumpkin Bowls Recipe
Lumina Pumpkin
Lumina pumpkins are white on the outside, which makes them look spooky and elegant. They are perfect for Halloween decorations or painting projects, as the pale skin is a blank canvas for your creativity. Although Lumina pumpkins are mostly used for decoration, the flesh is mildly sweet and can be used for cooking, making them good for pies and savoury dishes.
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Blue Hubbard Pumpkin
With its bumpy, bluish-grey skin and large size, the Blue Hubbard pumpkin is easy to recognise. It’s an excellent choice for cooking, as the flesh is sweet, starchy, and perfect for roasting or making purees. It is especially popular in soups and casseroles, where its hearty texture adds depth to the dish. The Blue Hubbard pumpkin’s unusual colour and rugged appearance also make it an eye-catching decoration for any fall setting.
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Fairytale Pumpkin
Also known as "Musquee de Provence," the Fairytale pumpkin is renowned for its beautiful ribbed shape and earthy brownish-orange hue. Its sweet, nutty flesh is highly prized for culinary uses, especially in traditional French dishes.
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The thick, flavourful flesh works well in baking, roasting, or as a base for pumpkin puree. Its appearance resembles a classic storybook pumpkin, making it ideal for both cooking and decoration.
