Pumpkins are a popular Fall crop grown around the world. They originate from the Americas and were an important part of Native American agriculture and culture for thousands of years. Today, pumpkins are most widely known for Halloween jack-o-lanterns and Thanksgiving pie filling. However, there are actually many different varieties of pumpkins beyond the typical large, round, orange ones. Each type has its own unique size, shape, color and uses. Here we will explore 5 of the most popular pumpkin varieties.
1. Jack-O-Lantern
The Jack-O-Lantern is the variety most people think of when you say pumpkin. These are the large, round, orange pumpkins that are perfect for carving Halloween decorations. Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins typically weigh 10-25 pounds and measure 10-18 inches in diameter. The rind is smooth and turns bright orange when mature. The flesh is thick, ranging from pale yellow to orange in color, and has a mild, sweet flavor that is great for pies, soups and roasted seeds.
Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins are native to the Americas and were originally cultivated by Native American tribes. The name comes from the old Irish legend of Stingy Jack who tricked the devil and was cursed to wander the earth with only a hollowed turnip lit by a burning coal to guide his way. Immigrants to America found that pumpkins were much better suited than turnips for carving jack-o-lanterns to scare off evil spirits on Halloween.
2. Sugar Pie
Sugar Pie pumpkins, also known as pie pumpkins, are specially grown for their sweet flesh that makes amazing pies and baked goods. These small, round pumpkins typically weigh 4-8 pounds and measure 6-8 inches in diameter. The rind is smooth and ripens to a deep orange. The flesh is stringless,sweet, and thicker than other varieties.
Sugar pie pumpkins contain more pulp than carving pumpkins and have richer, fuller flavor. They have twice the sugar content of other pumpkins. The high sugar content helps the pie filling caramelize when baked, giving it a silky texture and intense pumpkin flavor. Sugar pies are easier to work with in the kitchen than large carving pumpkens and their uniform shape slices well for pies and purées.
The Sugar Pie was developed in the late 1800s specifically for making pies and canning. It quickly became popular for its superior baking qualities compared to other pumpkins at the time. Sugar Pie remains one of the best choices for any recipe calling for pumpkin purée.
3. Baby Pam
Baby Pam pumpkins are miniature varieties that weigh just 1-2 pounds on average and measure about 3-6 inches in diameter. They look just like small, round, orange Jack-O-Lanterns. What Baby Pams lack in size, they make up for in versatility and convenience.
These miniature pumpkins are perfect for decorating, baking or simple snacking. Their small size makes them ideal for party platters, appetizers, or individual desserts. You can stuff and bake Baby Pams just like regular Jack-O-Lanterns. And since they are so small, they cook faster and more evenly. Baby Pams have a sweet, nutty flavor that lends well to both savory and sweet dishes.
Unlike large carving pumpkins which can be tough and stringy, Baby Pam’s flesh is tender and creamy, similar to Sugar Pie pumpkins. You can use Baby Pams anywhere a recipe calls for canned pumpkin. Simply cut in half, bake, and scoop out the flesh. Many people even eat Baby Pams raw for a healthy snack!
4. Jarrahdale
The Jarrahdale is an heirloom pumpkin variety originating from Australia. It is known for its distinctive blue-gray skin unlike any other type of pumpkin. Jarrahdales average 10-15 pounds in size and are round to oblong shaped.
Underneath its blue-gray rind, the flesh of Jarrahdale pumpkins is bright orange or yellow and has a tasty, sweet flavor. It can be used just like other carving pumpkins for pies, soups, roasted seeds and purées. The thick flesh lends well to baking and cooking.
The eye-catching blue hue makes Jarrahdales a favorite for autumn decorations. It provides a unique twist on classic orange pumpkin decor. Blue pumpkins offer versatility for centerpieces, wreaths, painting and more. When carved, the interior orange flesh makes the jack-o-lantern designs pop.
Jarrahdale’s blue color develops from a lack of the orange pigment found in most pumpkins. The mutation occurred naturally in Australia. Jarrahdale gets its name from the town where it originated in western Australia. It is more rare than other types but is gaining popularity at farmers markets and produce stands.
5. Fairytale
Fairytale pumpkins are a Cinderella-esque variety that look like miniature carriages. They are much smaller than carving pumpkins, averaging 3-6 pounds. What makes Fairytales so unique is their distinct ribs that protrude into long ridges running the length of the pumpkin.
These ridges cause Fairytales to flatten on the bottom while the top and stem end remain rounded like Cinderella’s carriage. The skin is bright orange and ripens to a deep orange. Inside, the flesh is thick and golden colored with a sweet flavor perfect for baking pies or desserts.
Fairytale’s charming shape and compact size make them ideal for fall décor. They lend a whimsical touch to centerpieces, doorstops and general autumnal decorating. Their edible flesh can also be used similarly to Sugar Pie pumpkins. Simply halve, bake, and scoop out the cooked pumpkin for any recipe.
The Fairytale pumpkin originated as a random mutation on a farm in New Hampshire. A farmer noticed the distinct ridges and flat bottom shape and saved the seeds. Its popularity took off quickly thanks to its whimsical form and decorative appeal.
Conclusion
Beyond the standard orange jack-o-lanterns, there is incredible diversity among pumpkin varieties. From tiny Baby Pams to blue-skinned Jarrahdales, each type has unique size, shape, color and uses. Sugar Pie and Fairytale lend perfectly to baking and cooking. Baby Pam and Jarrahdale make great decorations. All can add festive fall flair. There are many more wonderful pumpkin varieties beyond these 5 to discover. So explore your local patch or farmer’s market to find new pumpkin possibilities this autumn.
| Variety | Size | Shape | Skin Color | Flesh Color | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack-O-Lantern | 10-25 lbs | Round | Orange | Orange | Carving, pie filling |
| Sugar Pie | 4-8 lbs | Round | Orange | Orange | Baking pies, purées, soups |
| Baby Pam | 1-2 lbs | Round | Orange | Orange | Decorating, snacking, baking |
| Jarrahdale | 10-15 lbs | Round to oblong | Blue-gray | Orange | Decorating, carving, baking |
| Fairytale | 3-6 lbs | Flattened, ribbed | Orange | Orange | Decorating, baking |