Pumpkins come in many colors, but pink pumpkins stand out as one of the more unique pumpkin varieties. While orange pumpkins are the most common, pink pumpkins offer a fun and vibrant alternative for fall decorating and crafting. But what causes pumpkins to turn pink and what does a pink pumpkin symbolize?
What Causes Pink Pumpkins?
Pink pumpkins obtain their distinct color from their genetics. Pink pumpkins get their coloring from being heirlooms of a pink squash plant that originated in Ecuador and Peru. When cross pollinated with other squash plants, the resulting pumpkins inherit the pink genes that cause the pink coloring.
The pink color comes from the pumpkin’s skin and flesh containing the natural pigment lycopene. Lycopene is the same antioxidant that gives tomatoes, watermelon, red grapefruit and other red fruits and vegetables their bold coloring. In pink pumpkins, the lycopene becomes highly concentrated, causing the deep pink hue.
Pink Pumpkin Varieties
There are a few main varieties of pink pumpkins:
- Cinderella: Heirloom French pumpkin that is a bright pinkish orange with deep ribs. Its flesh is bright orange.
- Pink Jumbo Banana: Oblong shaped pink pumpkin that looks like a large pink banana.
- Porcelain Doll: Medium sized pink pumpkin with a flat shape and deeply ridged ribs.
- French Pink: Vibrant pink pumpkin that is deeply ribbed with an round oblong shape.
- Pink Mushroom: Exotic looking pink pumpkin that is squat and rounded like a mushroom cap.
Some other pink pumpkin varieties include Pink Bubble, Pink Banana, and Pink Flat Top. While shapes and sizes vary, all types of pink pumpkins get their color from lycopene concentration.
Taste and Texture
In terms of taste and texture, pink pumpkins are similar to orange pumpkins. Their flesh is smooth and firm like a carving pumpkin and has a mild, sweet flavor. The deep orange flesh of pink pumpkins gives them a richer, sweeter flavor compared to paler fleshed cooking pumpkins.
Pink pumpkin varieties with higher lycopene content are said to be even sweeter and richer tasting. The flesh is edible and can be used to make any recipe calling for processed pumpkin like pies, bread, cookies, and soups.
Decorative Uses
Pink pumpkins are beloved for their decorative appeal. Their soft pink shells and unusual shapes lend a unique, eye-catching element to fall displays. Some popular ways to use pink pumpkins for decor include:
- Pumpkin Patch Displays: Mix in pink pumpkins of various sizes and shapes for visual interest
- Porch Decorations: Line steps or accent entryways with pink pumpkins
- Centerpieces: Surround with fall flowers and set on dining tables
- Painted Pumpkins: Paint plain orange pumpkins pink to match
- Wreaths: Weave mini pink pumpkins into fall wreaths
Pink pumpkins pair beautifully with traditional orange pumpkins as well as yellow, white, and blue pumpkin varieties for a colorful harvest display.
Meaning of Pink Pumpkins
What does the unique color of pink pumpkins represent? Pink pumpkins hold several symbolic meanings:
Femininity and Grace
The soft pink color is often associated with feminine energy, beauty, and poise. Displaying pink pumpkins can represent embracing grace, charm, and womanhood.
Sweetness
Pink is seen as a sweet, inviting color. Since pink pumpkins also have a sweeter flesh, their color mirrors their sugary taste.
Hope
Pink is a tone of optimism and confidence. The color pink reflects hopeful energy and a belief in positive outcomes.
Calmness
Light pink is thought to evoke feelings of relaxation and self-care. Pink pumpkins in decor can create an aura of ease and tranquility.
Creativity
Bright pink inspires creativeexpression. Displaying multi-colored pumpkins including pink varieties represents embracing imagination and innovative spirit.
Growing Pink Pumpkins
While not as readily available as orange pumpkins, pink pumpkin seeds can be purchased from specialty seed companies. Pink pumpkins require the same growing conditions as other pumpkin varieties. Tips for growing pink pumpkins include:
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost
- Wait until soil is warm, at least 65°F, before transplanting outdoors
- Plant in nutrient rich soil with compost or manure
- Space plants at least 4 feet apart
- Water 1 inch per week
- Harvest when pumpkin rind is hard and stem begins to loosen
With proper care, pink pumpkins can be successfully grown just like standard orange pumpkins. Grow mini pink pumpkin varieties for crafting or larger types for impressive fall decorations.
Availability
Since pink pumpkins are considered heirloom and specialty pumpkins, they can be more difficult to locate. Pink pumpkins are not as commonly found in typical grocery stores or farmer’s markets compared to orange varieties. Some places to check for pink pumpkins include:
- Local farms, nurseries, and roadside stands, especially those specializing in heirloom and exotic produce
- Farmers markets in the heirloom vegetable sections
- Specialty supermarkets like Whole Foods
- Online garden stores
For the widest selection, shop for pink pumpkins in September and early October before peak pumpkin season demand. If not available locally, order seeds online to grow pink pumpkins yourself.
Cost
As a more unique variety, pink pumpkins typically cost more than basic orange pumpkins. Prices often range from about $5 to as much as $25 per pumpkin depending on size, variety, and source. Some average costs for common pink pumpkin varieties include:
| Pink Pumpkin Variety | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Porcelain Doll | $5 – $10 each |
| French Pink | $7 – $15 each |
| Pink Banana | $10 – $20 each |
| Cinderella | $10 – $25 each |
Prices are often lowest when buying directly from a farm or online store. Buying in bulk yields discounts for more affordable pink pumpkins.
History
The origin of pink pumpkins can be traced back to heirloom pumpkins native to Ecuador and Peru. Archeological evidence indicates pumpkins and squash were cultivated in Central and South America over 5,000 years ago. The pink pumpkin is believed to be a hybrid descendant of squash such as the Ecuadorian S. moschata x S. ficifolia, which had light pink skin.
These Native American squash plants naturally cross-pollinated to create vibrant multicolored squash. When French explorers traveled to Central and South America in the 1500s, they brought back seeds that likely made their way to Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
While pink pumpkins specifically are not referenced in early American writings, they likely existed among the Native American squash and pumpkin varieties that colonists adopted. Throughout the next centuries, pink pumpkins specifically stayed localized as heirlooms rather than gaining mainstream prominence like orange pumpkins.
In modern times, the allure and novelty of exotic heirloom pumpkins has grown. This renewed interest in rare antique pumpkin varieties had led to a resurgence in pink pumpkin popularity in recent decades.
Nutrition
Pink pumpkins have very similar nutritional values as orange varieties. A 1 cup serving of canned pink pumpkin contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 49 |
| Fat | 0.14 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Calcium | 37 mg |
| Iron | 1.4 mg |
| Potassium | 553 mg |
| Vitamin A | 2907 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7.7 mg |
What makes pink pumpkins unique is their high antioxidant content from lycopene pigments. Lycopene provides powerful antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage in the body.
Interesting Facts
Some intriguing trivia about pink pumpkins includes:
- The world’s largest pink pumpkin on record weighed in at 2,528 pounds.
- Pink pumpkins originate from heirloom pumpkin varieties from Ecuador and Peru.
- Squash and pumpkins were one of the first plants domesticated in the Americas.
- The pink color comes from the antioxidant lycopene which also makes watermelon and tomatoes red.
- Cooked, canned pink pumpkin changes to a bright orange color similar to regular pumpkin.
- The skin, seeds, and flesh of pink pumpkins are edible and safe to eat.
- Pink pumpkins need less watering than orange pumpkins but have a shorter shelf life.
Conclusion
While orange is the conventional pumpkin hue, pink pumpkins offer a unique and eye-catching alternative. Their distinctive coloring stems from natural lycopene pigments and an heirloom history tracing back centuries. Beyond being pretty and decadent, pink pumpkins also provide nutritional benefits and decorative symbolism.
These multifaceted pink fruits evoke tradition, imagination, tranquility, and charm. Whether used for eating, crafting, or simply displaying, pink pumpkins make a fun addition to any fall or harvest decor. Their striking tint serves as a reminder to embrace creativity and positivity as the seasons change.