Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
They also provide various health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving digestion.
Pumpkins are versatile vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked. There are different types of pumpkins, and each type has its unique characteristics.
Here are different types of pumpkins you should know.
Different Types of Pumpkins
1. Pepitas
Pepitas (also known as pepitas) are hulled pumpkin seeds with high protein, fat, iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E content. They’re often used in Mexican dishes like tacos and burritos.
2. Butternut Pumpkin
This pumpkin is orange in color with smooth skin. It tastes like a sweet potato when cooked. Butternut pumpkins have high amounts of vitamin A, which helps protect your eyes from diseases such as cataracts. They’re also rich in potassium, which lowers blood pressure and strengthens muscles.
3. Acorn Pumpkin
Acorn pumpkins grow on trees and have an oval shape. These pumpkins taste similar to butternuts, but they contain more protein than their cousins. The seeds inside acorns make excellent snacks. You can eat them roasted, ground into flour, or even used to make bread.
4. Honeycomb Pumpkin
Honeycombs are round-shaped pumpkins with thin skins and a honeycomb pattern on the outside. They’re often sold at Halloween time because of their appearance. However, these pumpkins don’t produce any honey.
5. Delicata Pumpkin
Delicatas are small pumpkins that look like miniature jack o’ lanterns. They’re usually found in grocery stores during the fall season. Delicatas have thick rinds that help keep the flesh moist. They’re low in calories and fat, making them perfect for baking.
6. Cucumber Pumpkin
Cucurbita Pepo Pumpkins are grown commercially for their edible fruits. They come in different colors, like green, yellow, white, red, and purple. When you buy Cucurbita pepos, check the stem end to ensure it doesn’t smell bad. If it does, throw it away.
7. Squash Pumpkin
Squash pumpkins are giant pumpkins that grow up to 10 feet long. Their skin is tough and rough, so you should peel them before cooking. Squash pumpkins are best known for their ability to store well. They’ll last longer if stored properly.
8. Muskmelon Pumpkin
Muskmelons are very popular summer squash. They’re available year-round, but they peak in popularity during the summer months. Muskmelons are easy to prepare since they’re mostly water. You can slice them, dice, steam, grill, boil, bake, or even pickle.
9. Winter Melon Pumpkin
Winter melons are another kind of cucurbit that’s commonly grown in tropical regions. They’re harvested around November through February. Unlike muskmelons, winter melons are not only great for eating; they can also be used to create juice, jam, and wine.
10. Gourd Pumpkin
Gourds are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. They’ve been used for food, medicine, and art throughout history. Gourds are available all year round, but they peak in demand during October and November.
11. Warty Pimpled Pumpkins
Warty pimpled pumpkins are gourd that has bumps on their surface. They can be eaten raw or cooked. They’re delicious when stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon.
12. Turbans Pumpkins
Turbans pumpkins are a cross between a squash and a pumpkin. They’re shaped like a football with a pointed tip and are typically yellow or orange. They’re most common in the United States, sometimes called “footballs.”
13. Miniatures Pumpkins
Miniature pumpkins are smaller versions of regular pumpkins. They range from about 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter. Some varieties include Baby Boo, Jack O Lantern, Sugar Pie, and Sweet Potato.
14. Peruvian Pumpkin
Peruvian pumpkins are native to South America; they are similar to other pumpkins, except they’re much more extensive. The average size is about 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
15. Hungarian Blue Pumpkin
Hungarian blue pumpkins are a hybrid variety of pumpkins. They were created by crossing two different species of pumpkins together. One parent was a sweet potato, and the other was a pumpkin. This particular variety of pumpkin has a deep blue color and is often sold as decorative items.
16. Muscat Pumpkin
Muscat pumpkins are a type that comes from Turkey. They have a light golden brown color and a strong aroma. They’re usually relatively small, ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches in diameter.
17. Baby Boo Pumpkins
Baby boo pumpkins are miniature pumpkins perfect for kids’ Halloween costumes. They come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, including jack o lantern, ghost, witch, spider, and more.
18. Marina di Chioggia Pumpkins
Marina di Chioggia pumpkins are Italian pumpkins with an intense flavor and a beautiful greenish-yellow color. They’re usually found in Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.
19. Valenciano Lumina Pumpkins
Valencianos lumina pumpkins are Spanish pumpkins that are known for their bright colors. They’re typically red, white, or yellow.
Common Ways to Use Pumpkins
1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are edible seeds that grow inside pumpkins. They contain high amounts of protein, fiber, and minerals. They’re best eaten after being roasted or boiled.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is extracted from the seeds of various types of pumpkins. It contains healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. It’s commonly used in cooking and baking.
3. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is made from fresh pumpkin muffins. You can make pies, bread, cakes, cookies, desserts, and snacks.
4. Pumpkin Cake Mix
Pumpkin cake mix is a popular product that includes flour, sugar, eggs, and spices. It’s easy to make, and it tastes delicious!
5. Pumpkin Muffin Mix
Pumpkin muffin mix is another popular product that includes flour, sugar, eggs, and spices. It’s also straightforward to make.
Conclusion
Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable that you can use in lots of ways. It’s available year-round, so there’s no need to wait until fall to enjoy this tasty fruit, especially if you live near a farm stand or farmer’s market. If you don’t want to buy your pumpkins, you can always find them at your local grocery store.
