Types of Pumpkins and Their Uses

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been dreaming of fall for months. The breeze, the layers, and—of course—the pumpkins.  

From jack-o-lanterns to pies, table-scaping decor and so much more, pumpkins are the true heroes of the fall season. Although it may seem like a pumpkin is a pumpkin (is a pumpkin), there are in fact different types of pumpkins best suited to your various seasonal needs.  

The Best Type of Pumpkin for Carving 

When it comes to selecting the pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern, it’s both an art and a science. You’ll want to look for the pumpkin that will help bring your creative vision to life, but that doesn’t mean any pumpkin will suffice. You’ll want your canvas to be smooth with consistent color, free of soft spots and scratches, with an in-tact stem, and thin skin for easier carving (test this by tapping your pumpkin and listening for a hollow sound). Don’t forget to save and roast the seeds—yum! 

The Best Type of Pumpkin for Crafting 

For your younger kids, who might not be ready to wield a carving tool, mini pumpkins are perfect for fall crafting—whether they’re painting, coloring, stickering, or glittering. Whatever their creative heart desires, a mini pumpkin makes for a major masterpiece.  

The Best Type of Pumpkin for Baking Pies 

While big pumpkins are best for carving, they don’t make for great pies as they tend to be stringy with a bland taste. For baking pies, you want a pumpkin with a sweet flavor and smooth flesh. When shopping, you can find the generic labels of “sweet pumpkins” or “pie pumpkins.” You’ll also want to snag a pumpkin between four to eight pounds.  

The Best Type of Pumpkin for Purées 

The one’s a no-brainer for us. Red Kuri squash (aka Hokkaido pumpkins) is our founder Jen’s go-to, inspiring the Farmer Jen’s Pumpkin Apple Pie blend (back again this fall for a limited time).

The Best Type of Pumpkin for Decorations 

For pumpkin decor, get quirky with it! Look for heirloom pumpkins in different shapes and colors. Have you ever seen a white pumpkin? Yes, please! Go for a mix of sizes, shapes, and colors for your table-scaping—you can even throw in a squash for good measure!

With a pumpkin for every fall activity, you’ll be gourd to go!