Whether you’re perfecting your pie recipe or looking for a fun way to decorate this season, pumpkins are the answer! Finding the right types of pumpkins for your purpose is the key to a tasty pie, a simple savory dish, or a show-stopping outdoor display.
How Many Types of Pumpkin Are There?
There are over 50 types of pumpkins to choose from. We categorize pumpkins as either decorative pumpkins or cooking pumpkins. Whether you’re buying them or planting pumpkins yourself, knowing the difference will help you choose what is right for you. Decorative pumpkins are chosen for their color, texture, and beauty; they are usually smoother for quick, efficient carving. Cooking pumpkins will be a bit heavier than decorative types because they have more “flesh,” which we all love to eat!
A Porch Full of Pumpkins
Pumpkins are symbolic of everything festive in fall. Try these decorative pumpkins for carving, crafting, and showcasing.
Jack-O-Lantern: No surprises here Jack-o-lantern pumpkins are what you want for all your carving needs. It has thinner skin, which makes it much easier to carve into your perfect pattern.
One Too Many: We don’t think you can ever have too many of this type of pumpkin. Their skin has beautiful patterns, no need to decorate them at all!
Mini Pumpkins: Cute as can be, and they are also tasty if you eat them afterward. You can display them as is or follow our tips below for turning them into miniature works of art.
Sky-High Pumpkin Pies: The sky’s the limit when it comes to baking your pumpkins into sweet treats. The small orange pie variety is one of the most common for baking.
Mystic Pie Pumpkins: These mystic beauties are magic! They straddle the line between decorative and delicious, but we vote to bake them into your next premium pumpkin pie.
Cinderella Pumpkins: These fit into your pie like a glass slipper. It has a beautiful vibrant orange-red skin but is most appreciated for its semi-sweet taste, perfect for pies or decor!
White Pie Pumpkins: Are white inside and out! Often used for decor, some white pumpkin varieties have a mellow taste and creamy texture, offering a beautiful and tasty alternative to the usual orange or green suspects.
Positively Plump Savory Pumpkins: Try serving a few of these savory pumpkin types at your next fall family meal.
Fairytale Pumpkins: These will make your dreams come true with their creamy and sweet taste! Originally from France, you can spot this heirloom type by looking for its dark green skin.
Millionaire Pumpkins: Are worth a try if you’re looking for something more like spaghetti squash. Look for its yellow skin along with green and orange stripes. This tasty variety has flesh with a texture like spaghetti squash.
Tiger Stripe: Also known as Hulless Seeds, they offer tasty and tender seeds. Roast the seeds for a delicious snack on its own, or add to salads and side dishes.
Pumpkin Decorating Guide
Let’s move on from baking and dive into decorating! Stick with the classics or amp up the creativity to decorate your porch, yard, and home with pumpkins.
Carve ‘em Up!
Carving pumpkins is a time-honored tradition. It’s a little messy and a lot of fun. Carve spooky Halloween classics or pay tribute to your favorite hobby by carving out the shape of your most loved flower or houseplant. You can also carve a pumpkin in a truly unexpected way: carve out just the top of the pumpkin and use it as a fall vase for your favorite autumnal flowers.
Light ‘em Up!
While you’ll likely put tealights into your carved pumpkins, consider skipping the carving and wrap the pumpkins in fairy lights for a fun spin on tradition.
Paint With Personality
Painting pumpkins is a fast and easy way to decorate for autumn. A fun trend this year is to choose small types of pumpkins and paint miniature versions of spooky characters, or keep it simple with a paint color of your choice!
If you’re looking for more tips on types of pumpkins in Allentown, come visit us! We’d love to help you pick out your perfect pumpkin and hear about your decorating ideas for the season.