October is a beautiful time of year and one that is synonymous with Pumpkins. When you think about pumpkins this time of year generally there are two basic purposes. One of those purposes is for eating and the other is for decorating. This seasonal crop of delight is grown in wide varieties, and each type of pumpkin has reasons to celebrate.
For eating –
Pink Lady
Its light-textured, deep orange flesh is sweet and excellent in pureed soups or baked into pies, bread and muffins.
Galeux d’Eysines
The skin is a beautiful salmon pink with warts that look like peanut shells. It's great in soups and the scent is reminiscent of sweet potatoes and apples.
Blue Jarrahdale
This blue pumpkin golden-orange flesh is fine-textured and sweet. It’s good for making pies and soups.
Buckskin
Used by some commercial processors for canned pumpkins, it’s perfect in pies.
Fairytale
Fairytale pumpkin is one of the best varieties for cooking. The fine texture and thick flesh make it a good substitute for butternut squash.
For Décor-
Mini Hybrid
Usually used for decorating, they also make cute little serving vessels for soups.
Iron Man
Thanks to its toughness and smooth hard shell, this variety it’s just right to paint.
Cotton Candy
This bright white pumpkin- even the flash is white-having smooth, glossy skin that lends itself to be painted or carved.
White Mini Jack
Use this little white gourd as you would any mini hybrid pumpkin
For Both –
Orange Kabocha
The stripes and bumps on kabocha squash make it decorative. Use its sweet and slightly nutty flesh in any of the ways you would a hard winter squash
Silver Moon
A silver moon pumpkin is spectacular when carved. It also makes wonderful puree for pies, and is loaded with highly snackable seeds.
