10 Pumpkin Varieties and How to Use Them

Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, from palm-sized miniatures to giants the size of a car. With so many varieties out there, it’s not always easy to know which ones are best for decoration, roasting, or turning into mouthwatering autumn sweets. But we’ve rounded up 10 common pumpkin varieties along with their characteristics below to help you pick out the perfect pumpkins for every use this fall.

See more: 27 Pumpkin Recipes to Make This Fall

1. Dills Atlantic Giant

If you want to grow something that shocks and awes the neighbors, look no further than Dills Atlantic Giant. Appropriately named, these massive pumpkins hold the world record for size with the largest weighing in at a whopping 1,810 pounds. They can easily put on more than 50 pounds per day, so they require a fair amount of diligence, dedication and space. Because of their size, most people display them as is. But you can actually carve, paint or decorate them too.

2. Blue Doll

Unlike most pumpkins, the Blue Doll is a ghostly shade of smoky blue. They’re considered blocky in shape with deep ribs and a remarkably good flavor. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, use these exotic beauties to decorate for the first half the season before bringing them inside to make soups and pies. They also hold up well to canning if you want to store away homemade puree for winter treats and goodies.

3. Cinderella

Otherwise known as Rouge Vif d’Étampes, the Cinderella pumpkin was one of the most popular varieties sold in France in the 1880s. And as you may expect, its shape resembles the carriage found in the movie of the same name. A touch flat with deep ribbing, they come in a wide range of sizes from 15 to 40 pounds. Described as creamy and moist, these hold up well to baking, roasting and steaming. They also make for a rich and decadent ice cream when pureed.

4. Porcelain Doll

Porcelain Doll may sound like a delicate pumpkin, but this soft pink variety can weigh up to 24 pounds. Almost squared in shape, they have deep ribbing and a reputation for thriving in late summer and early fall thanks to their fairly reliable ability to ward off powdery mildew. Their flavor profile is sweet, making them an excellent choice for pies, muffins, custards and cakes.

5. Baby Boo

These petite pumpkins are pure white with beautiful ribbing and ivory stems. They make for the perfect table decoration when used in groups, but they’re actually edible as well. Once you’re done displaying them for the season, consider stuffing them with ingredients such as spinach and cheese and roasting them for a gorgeous and surprising appetizer or side dish. Just be sure to carve off the top and remove all the seeds first.

See more: What Are White Pumpkins?

6. Connecticut Field

Connecticut Field pumpkins are oval in shape and orange in color. They’re commonly used for decoration and animal feed. While they are beautiful to look at, they aren’t the best choice if you want a delicious pie filling. Common complaints include a watery flesh, mild flavor and stringy texture. Nevertheless, if they are the only pumpkins you have access to, they hold up reasonably well when canned.

7. Autumn Gold

A classic carving pumpkin, Autumn Gold has a reputation for ripening into its namesake golden color weeks before many other varieties. This makes them a wonderful choice for home gardeners, especially those who live in short season growing zones. These are a fantastic pumpkin to carve and even better for pies and roasting seeds. They’re also known for producing high yields with each pumpkin weighing anywhere between 7 and 10 pounds.

See more: 12 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Home With Pumpkins

8. Long Island Cheese

These beautiful heirloom pumpkins are short and squat compared to your average pumpkin, but they are renowned for their smooth flesh and string-free interior. This variety also boasts an impressively high nutritional content and is one of the oldest squashes in existence that was cultivated as food. They first arrived on the scene in 1807 and quickly gained popularity for their sweet flavor, making them a longstanding favorite for making pie.

9. Sugar Pumpkin

More commonly known as pie pumpkins or sweet pumpkins, you can easily guess what these are best suited for. Small and sweet with dense, concentrated flesh, these are a great candidate for cooking and baking. Roasting or steaming them brings out the best flavors, and they go well with other sweet ingredients like maple syrup and honey. But their versatility stretches to savory dishes as well, such as rich cheeses and sautéed mushrooms. If you decide to experiment with something a little more savory than your average pumpkin pie, consider tossing them in a salad or serving them alongside roast chicken.

See more: Is a Pumpkin a Fruit or a Vegetable?

10. Musquee de Provence

Averaging between 15 and 20 pounds, the Mesquee de Provence is round with a smooth rind, deep ribbing and colors ranging from green to orange. You don’t have to do much digging to clean out the inside of this variety, which makes them great for culinary dishes. They can be used in sweet dishes such as pies and custards, but they also do well roasted, baked, grilled and boiled. Many say this unique pumpkin pairs well with foods like eggs, onions, sausage and rice.