The purple pumpkin has become an increasingly popular decoration during the fall season. While orange pumpkins are a hallmark of Halloween and autumn, the unique purple color offers a more mystical look. So what exactly is the meaning and history behind purple pumpkins?
History of the Purple Pumpkin
Purple or blue pumpkins have a much shorter history than their traditional orange counterparts. Orange pumpkins are native to North America and were an integral part of fall traditions for Native American tribes. Specific pumpkin varieties like Cinderella and Fairytale offer more bluish hues. However, true purple pumpkins were only recently cultivated.
In 2012, a company called the Seed Savers Exchange used cross-pollination to develop a strain of pumpkin with a purple skin. This hybrid vegetable combined an heirloom French pumpkin called the Rouge Vif D’Etampes with a hybrid Dickinson squash. The result was a blue-skinned pumpkin that turned deep purple when ripe. That original purple pumpkin strain is now sold under the name Blue Doll.
Since its debut, the popularity of purple pumpkins has steadily risen. More growers are cultivating an array of blue and purple pumpkins to meet demand. While not yet as ubiquitous as classic orange pumpkins, purple varieties now grace front porches, centerpieces, and autumn meals across the country.
Meaning of the Purple Pumpkin
For many, the allure of the purple pumpkin is purely aesthetic. The unique color provides a more mystic or otherworldly look compared to the familiar orange pumpkin. But purple pumpkins hold symbolic meaning too.
In the same way that pink ribbons represent breast cancer awareness and red dresses signify heart health, purple pumpkins have become icons of compassion. Specifically, families place purple pumpkins outside their homes to signify their support for two causes:
- Food allergies
- Disabilities
The meaning behind a purple pumpkin for food allergies comes from the Teal Pumpkin Project. This national campaign works to promote food allergy awareness and make Halloween festivities safer for children with life-threatening allergies.
Many Halloween candies contain nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, and other common food allergens. To participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, families place a teal-colored pumpkin outside their home alongside a sign that reads: “Food allergy friendly – Non-food treats available.” The pumpkin’s bright color signals that the household offers non-food treats as a safe alternative.
Purple has become an alternative to teal for representing food allergy awareness. It conveys the same meaning – children can safely trick-or-treat at this home. The coordinate hashtag for the movement is #PurplePumpkinProject.
For the disability community, a purple pumpkin on a doorstep means the residents offer a judgment-free and inclusive space. The act of displaying a purple pumpkin shows support for individuals with disabilities and helps spread awareness into the challenges they face. It also indicates the household will offer accommodations to create a positive trick-or-treating experience for all.
While not an official campaign, the significance of the purple pumpkin for disabilities was popularized on social media by advocates seeking to promote compassion this Halloween season.
Picking the Perfect Purple Pumpkin
Interested in joining the purple pumpkin movement this autumn? Here are some tips for picking the ideal purple pumpkin to display:
- Look for an evenly saturated, deep purple. Avoid pumpkins with heavy green splotches.
- Choose a classic round shape for stability. Flat or oblong purple pumpkins may wobble.
- Inspect the pumpkin for blemishes, sunken spots, or signs of rot.
- Consider miniature 3-5 pound decorative purple pumpkins for tabletop displays.
- Carve facial features with bold outlines for the best contrast.
Some popular purple pumpkin varieties include:
| Purple Pumpkin Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Blue Doll | Vibrant blue-purple skin, medium size (6-8 lbs), sturdy round shape |
| Jarrahdale | Smooth blue-gray skin, large size (15-20 lbs), flat globe shape |
| Purple Ghost | Pale lilac skin, very large size (20-25 lbs), tall and oblong shape |
Decorating with Purple Pumpkins
A naturally striking color, purple pumpkins make a statement anywhere they are placed. Here are some creative ways to decorate with purple pumpkins this fall:
- Group a trio of different sized purple pumpkins on the front porch steps
- Mix purple varieties with white and silvery-blue pumpkins for an ethereal harvest display
- Paint or stencil words like “Boo!” and “Eat, Drink, and Be Scary” on smooth purple skins
- Add a sprinkle of faux glitter to frosted white and purple mini pumpkins for table accents
- Line the walkway with purple pumpkins lighting the path on Halloween night
- Set a purple pumpkin vase filled with fresh flowers as a centerpiece
Cooking with Purple Pumpkins
Beyond their striking looks, purple pumpkins offer inviting orange flesh perfect for fall cooking. Their mellow, nutty taste works wonderfully in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use purple pumpkins in seasonal cuisine:
Savory Purple Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin chili – Swap in purple pumpkin for a twist on classic chili recipes. The mild flavor pairs well with spices.
- Pumpkin soup – For a creamy purple-hued soup, sautee leeks and garlic, simmer with pumpkin puree, and blend until smooth.
- Pumpkin risotto – Add cubed roasted purple pumpkin and sage for festive fall risotto.
- Pumpkin ravioli – Puree roasted pumpkin for vibrant orange ravioli filling.
Sweet Purple Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin cookies – Fold canned purple pumpkin puree into cookie dough for chewy, spiced treats.
- Pumpkin cupcakes – Top vanilla cupcakes with purple-tinted frosting for Halloween sweets.
- Pumpkin pancakes – Mix pumpkin puree into whole grain pancake batter and top with candy corn.
- Pumpkin bars – Swirl pumpkin into cream cheese for colorful baked bars.
The Many Uses of Purple Pumpkins
With their vibrant color and sweet flavor, purple pumpkins lend themselves to diverse uses beyond classic carved jack-o-lanterns. Here are some creative ways to use purple pumpkins:
- Crafts – Paint mini purple pumpkins with glitter and mod podge for candleholders and decorative accents.
- Floral displays – Hollow out larger purple pumpkins for stunning harvested flower arrangements.
- Table settings – Mix painted purple pumpkins into fall tablescapes and centerpieces.
- Home decor – Set an uncarved purple pumpkin on shelves, sideboards, or as part of a vignette.
- Seasonal containers – Fill purple pumpkins with pine cones, acorns, and other foraged fall finds.
History and Meaning of Purple Pumpkins
In summary, the vibrant purple pumpkin is a relative newcomer that brings a mystical look to Halloween festivities. While originally cultivated for its unique color, the purple pumpkin has taken on symbolic meaning for food allergy awareness and disability inclusion.
Displaying a purple pumpkin signals compassion for children with food allergies and disabilities while spreading awareness of the challenges they face. It also indicates a household offers accommodations to make celebrations like Halloween more inclusive.
Beyond its emerging significance, the purple pumpkin’s bright hue and sweet flesh make it ideal for seasonal recipes, dazzling fall displays, and eye-catching decorations. So whether appreciating their color or crunching their seeds, purple pumpkins lend a touch of allure to autumn.
Conclusion
The purple pumpkin is more than a novelty – it represents compassion and inclusivity. By proudly displaying a purple pumpkin, families can visually signal their support for food allergy awareness and disability inclusion. The striking color also brightens up Halloween decor. And its sweet, nutty flavor elevates everything from soups to desserts. So get cooking and decorating with purple pumpkins to make this Halloween tastier, more beautiful, and kinder too.
