Fun Pumpkin Varieties | Pumpkin Picking Tips

It’s pumpkin season in New England and fall’s favorite squash is available in a countless shapes, colors and sizes to choose from. Here are tips on how to choose the perfect pumpkin and suggestions on some interesting pumpkin varieties to try. Whether you are looking for pumpkins to cook with, carve, display or decorate we’ve got the perfect pumpkin for you!

PUMPKIN PICKING TIPS

Look for a pumpkin that is uniform in color without large portions of green. Pumpkin skin should be firm, not mushy, and free of cracks and holes. Inspect the pumpkin for soft spots — if the pumpkin has any, it is an indication that it is beginning to decay, so choose another one. Avoid pumpkins with any signs of mold, insect, or animal damage. If you are choosing a growing pumpkin from a patch, cut the vine on either side of the stem to free it before cutting the stem to size. Do not carry pumpkins by the stem. Stems can break off easily and leave pumpkins vulnerable to decay. Instead, lift the pumpkin from the bottom.

5 FUN PUMPKIN VARIETIES

In addition to Jack-o’-Lantern or carving pumpkins (the traditional, porch pumpkin that comes in all sizes and can get quite large if left to grow) there are a multitude of other pumpkin varieties to choose from. Here are 5 fun pumpkin varieties to try this fall: Cinderella Pumpkins Named for their resemblance to the pumpkin that Cinderella’s fairy godmother transformed into a carriage, not only are these pumpkins beautiful, they are delicious as well and great to use in pies and winter squash dishes. Sugar Pumpkins These are typically small (about 2-8 pounds) and are easy to handle and cut. They are known for their sweet fruit and are a favorite for use in baking. Porcelain Doll Pumpkins These pumpkins have an unusual glazed look similar to porcelain with a rosy pinkish tint to the flesh. They are medium in size with bright orange fruit inside, and are a great squash for both cooking and decorating. Lumina or “Ghost” Pumpkins These all white squashes with smooth flesh make carving easy and painting a breeze. A very suitable pumpkin for crafts. Miniature Pumpkins, also known as Jack-Be Littles are tiny pumpkins that grow no larger than 1 pound. They can be grown or purchased with gourds and are fun displayed on desks, around the home, and on tables for the autumn season.