Pumpkin may be a word that brings to mind images of crispy autumn leaves or glowing jack-o-lanterns on a dark Halloween night.
But did you know that pumpkins are actually a kind of squash? In fact, the pumpkin is only one member of a vast family, known for its range of vibrant fruits.
While pumpkins can be identified by their bright orange color and spherical shape, their cousins can come in various shapes and sizes, with some not even being round.
So if you want to learn more about these different kinds of pumpkin fruits, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we have compiled a list of pumpkin fruits from around the world, so that you can learn more about the different varieties and their uses.
We have also included some useful information about each fruit, such as its growth rate and the best time to harvest.
So why not take a look down below and see which one of these pumpkin fruits catches your interest…
1. Common Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo)
The common pumpkin is considered to be the most popular pumpkin fruit in the world, as it is usually grown for Halloween and fall celebrations.
While it can be used to make jack-o-lanterns and other decorations, the fruit can also be used to make desserts, with the most common being pumpkin pie.
The pumpkin can be identified by its bright orange color and round shape, with the fruit being harvested during fall and winter.
2. West Indian Pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata)
Otherwise known as calabaza, the West Indian pumpkin can be found in tropical regions across the world, where it remains a popular fruit in the West Indies and parts of South America.
While the flesh of the calabaza remains orange, the exterior of the fruit can be identified by its gray-brown color, which gives the pumpkin a leathery appearance.
Calabaza is used primarily for its culinary uses, as it can be eaten in stews, cakes, and candies. The flower of the species is also edible and remains a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
3. Atlantic Giant Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima)
The Atlantic Giant is considered to be the largest variety of pumpkin in the world, with most specimens weighing between 150 – 2000 pounds.
Despite their great size, these pumpkins can also be identified by their ribbed exteriors and orange-peach skin, which is said to pale in the sunlight.
Although they are known for their size, the pumpkin is now grown for cooking and is instead cultivated for competitions and decor.
4. Autumn Gold Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo)
The Autumn Gold is another popular variety of pumpkin that is commonly grown for Halloween and Thanksgiving, with the basketball-like fruit making the perfect canvas for jack-o-lanterns and other decorations.
Distinguished by its bright orange-gold color, the fruit can also be used to make a range of delicious recipes, such as pumpkin pie and fall casseroles.
The high-yielding plant can produce up to 5 pumpkins per vine, which are then harvested during the fall season in time for Halloween.
5. Baby Boo Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo)
The Baby Boo is a variety of pumpkin that is known to grow during the winter and fall, where the vine produces small flat fruits in shades of yellow and white.
Originally released in 1990, the species was first cultivated in Pennsylvania and has remained a popular fruit for Halloween and autumn celebrations.
However, the fruit is rarely used for cooking, as the pumpkin is instead used as a decoration for centerpieces and harvest festivals.
6. Batwing Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo)
The Batwing pumpkin is so named for its bright orange exterior with blue-green accents, which are said to resemble the wings of a bat.
While some specimens can be completely orange, most will come with the green markings that make this particular pumpkin so unique.
Of course, its beautiful appearance has made the fruit a common decoration for Halloween and Thanksgiving, with the species rarely being used for food.
7. Big Max Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima)
Similar to the Giant Atlantic, the Big Max is a large variety of pumpkin that is commonly grown for competitions and festivals, with the matured fruit weighing between 100 – 300 pounds.
The pumpkin can be identified by its round shape and smooth skin, which can range from bright orange to pale salmon in color.
While the pumpkin is mainly grown for commercial purposes, the flesh is still edible and can be canned or frozen for different recipes.
8. Blaze Pumpkin (Cucurbita Spp.)
The Blaze is a variety of pumpkin grown for ornamental purposes, with the fruit boasting a bright orange exterior with yellow accents.
The species is commonly harvested during the fall, where it is then used as a decoration for Thanksgiving and other celebrations.
Despite its vibrant appearance, the pumpkin is rarely used for food, even though the orange flesh is both edible and delicious.
9. Blue Doll Pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata)
This variety of pumpkin can be identified by its large size, beautiful exterior, and pale blue rind, which conceals vibrant orange flesh that is perfect for making pies, soups, and casseroles.
The fruit can reach between 15 – 20 pounds and is very similar to the Blue Jarrahdale in terms of its taste and texture.
Despite its stunning appearance, the pumpkin is rarely used as an autumnal decoration, as blue does not convey the fall season.
10. Blue Jarrahdale Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima)
The Blue Jarrahdale is a variety of giant pumpkin native to Australia, where it is known for its blue-green skin and stringless orange flesh.
The species is very similar to the Queensland Blue and Blue Doll, as it can be used to make a variety of delicious meals such as pies and soups.
During the fall season, the plant will produce up to 5 pumpkins per vine, with most specimens reaching 14-inches in length and 12 pounds in weight.
11. Buckskin Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima)
The Buckskin is yet another large variety of pumpkins that can be identified by its distinctive shape, tapered ends, and pale orange color.
Despite its size, the flesh of the Buckskin is said to be both sweet and delicious, with the fruit commonly being used to make purees and pies.
The species is usually harvested during the fall season and is mainly cultivated for its culinary uses.
12. Carnival Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo)
Known for its colorful exterior, the Carnival pumpkin boasts a unique acorn-like shape and green mottled skin with white and yellow accents.
The pumpkin is a small to medium species and will usually reach a diameter of 12 – 17 centimeters.
Ideal for cooking, the flesh of the Carnival pumpkin is firm and vibrant, with the fruit boasting a warm and nutty taste that is perfect for soups and pies.
13. Casperita Pumpkin (Cucurbita Spp.)
The Casperita is a common variety of pumpkin grown for ornamental purposes, with the species commonly being found at festivals and fall markets.
Distinguished by its ghostly white skin, the Casperita remains a popular pumpkin among gardeners, as it can grow well in harsh conditions.
Beyond this, the pumpkin is known to be resistant to mildew, as well as other notable diseases that can affect vine fruit.
14. Cinderella Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima)
Otherwise known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes, this variety of pumpkin is named for the popular fairy tale and can be identified by its large size, deep ribbing, and vivid orange-red skin.
Despite being edible, the pumpkin is primarily used for ornamental purposes, although its flesh can be canned and frozen for later use.
In fact, the species is known to yield soft and sweet flesh, which is ideal for making desserts such as pies and cakes.
15. Connecticut Field Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo)
The Connecticut Field pumpkin is an all-purpose fruit that can be used for decor, cooking, and carving jack-o-lanterns.
The species can be identified by its spherical shape and bright orange skin, which makes it one of the most beautiful pumpkins available.
Because of its many uses, the pumpkin is commonly harvested during the fall and early winter, where it is used for decorations and making pies.
16. Futsu Black Pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata)
Despite its strange appearance, the Futsu Black Pumpkin remains a popular squash around the world, where it is known for its delicious taste and bright orange flesh.
While the interior of the fruit boasts a warm and golden color, the rind can be identified by its gray-black color and lumpy texture.
The fruit can weigh close to 10 pounds when fully matured and can be used in soups, pies, and casseroles. It can also be deep-fried and served as tempura.
17. Turban Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima)
Known for its distinctive appearance, the turban pumpkin boasts a vibrant orange exterior with silver and green accents.
However, the most defining characteristic of this pumpkin is its shape, which is said to resemble a Turkish turban.
Because of its unique look and sweet flesh, the pumpkin is commonly grown for both culinary and ornamental purposes, with the species often being featured at Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are countless varieties of pumpkin fruits available, with our list only showcasing a small selection.
So now that you know more about the different kinds of pumpkin, it’s up to you to find them for yourself at your local supermarket.
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The majority of people who have no interest in the subject, and aren’t green fingered assume that all plants and vegetables require the same growing conditions. This is not the case at all. Each plant has its own unique and interesting history and growing process.
I hope you will find The Natural List useful, and that it will help educate you on the wide variety of different flower and plant species there are across the globe.
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