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As fall approaches, many happy home gardeners start decorating with bright plants and fruits they’ve picked from their own gardens, the farmers market, or the store. Yet, distinguishing between squash, pumpkins and gourds is not always easy. “Is a pumpkin a squash or a gourd, or is it just a pumpkin?” asks a lot of people who decorate their homes.
Pumpkins and squash belong to the same family, Cucurbitaceae, yet they have distinct differences that set them apart With fall harvest season upon us, it’s common to see these edible plants pop up in recipes, decorations, and of course, carved for Halloween jack-o-lanterns. Understanding the nuances between squash and pumpkin varieties helps cooks select the best one for their dish or craft
Pumpkins Tend to be Round While Squash are Oblong
One of the most noticeable differences comes down to shape. Pumpkins are typically round or symmetrically oval. Their thick, tough skin wraps snugly around the rounded form, allowing pumpkins to sit upright on their base. Squash, on the other hand, grow in elongated, oblong shapes with curved necks or tapered ends. This causes squash to sit at an angle or need to lean against something. Gourds also fall into the oblong category, growing in all sorts of warped, bumpy shapes.
Pumpkins are Considered Fruits and Squash are Vegetables
Botanically speaking, pumpkins, squash, and gourds all constitute fruits because they contain seeds and develop from the ovary of flowering plants. However, in culinary contexts, pumpkins are treated as fruits while squash are used as vegetables. The sweet flavor of pumpkins lends itself well to fruit applications like pumpkin pie, breads, preserves, and even lattes. Savory squash varieties are best suited for salads, soups, casseroles, and other entrees requiring vegetables.
Pumpkins Have Thick, Tough Rinds and Squash are Thinner
Pumpkins develop a thick, protective rind that can be difficult to pierce with a knife. The hard shell keeps the pumpkin intact through the growing season as well as over winter during storage. Squash rinds tend to be thinner and easier to slice through. For example acorn squash has a delicate skin compared to traditional pumpkins. Butternut squash develops a tougher rind, but still thinner than a carving pumpkin.
Pumpkins Grow Much Larger than Squash
Pumpkins thrive through October and can reach colossal sizes over 50 pounds. Giant pumpkins grown for competitions routinely weigh over 1000 pounds. Even typical carving pumpkins grow much larger than winter squash varieties. Though acorn and butternut squash can size up nicely, they top out around 5 pounds typically. Squash plants only yield a few fruits per vine compared to the many pumpkins one pumpkin plant can produce.
Pumpkin Seeds are Edible, Squash Seeds are Not
Inside a fresh pumpkin lie hundreds of flat, white seeds coated in a yellow husk. These seeds contain nutrients including zinc, magnesium, and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Roasted pumpkin seeds make for a delicious, crunchy snack. However, the seeds of squash are not eaten. They are toxic and contain a compound called cucurbitacin that causes bitterness and indigestion. Only pumpkin seeds get the edible label.
Pumpkins Last Longer than Squash
Thanks to their thick, protective shells and hardy vines, pumpkins last much longer in storage than squash. Pumpkins can be kept for 3-6 months in a cool, dry place. Their sturdy shells prevent moisture loss. Winter squash begins to deteriorate within 2-3 months, even in ideal storage conditions. The thinner rinds lose more moisture over time, causing the fruit inside to shrivel.
Squash Has More Variety than Traditional Pumpkins
Pumpkin varieties encompass small sugar pie pumpkins, Jack-be-Little miniatures, tall Connecticut Field types, and large carving pumpkins like Howden. Though they differ in size and color, traditional pumpkins have a similar sweet, nutty flavor. Winter squash offers incredible diversity from acorn to buttercup, hubbard to kabocha. Each squash type boasts unique textures, flavors, colors, and best uses.
Pumpkins Grow on Long Vines, Squash on Small Bushes
Pumpkin plants sprawl across the garden, spreading 10 feet or more with long, prickly stems. Squash grow on smaller, bushy plants around 2-3 feet wide. Vining pumpkins require ample space between plants and benefit from trellising. Compact squash bushes allow for tighter spacing. Grow pumpkins away from walkways to avoid tripping. Squash can squeeze into tighter plots.
Pumpkins and Squash Have Different Nutrient Profiles
While pumpkins and squash offer similar vitamin A benefits, their nutrition differs. Pumpkins have more fiber and potassium than squash. Winter squash packs more vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese. Acorn squash beats out pie pumpkin in vitamin E. Butternut wins for folate levels. Pumpkin’s claim to nutrient fame is its carotenoids for eye and immune health.
The Differences Among Pumpkins, Squash and Gourds
In the simplest terms, we carve pumpkins, cook squash and decorate with gourds. Yet, the lines between these three terms are somewhat blurred. Not all pumpkins are grown for jack-o-lanterns and some gourds can be eaten when young.
Lets unravel this mystery by first talking about the similarities between the three. They are all members of the Cucurbitaceae family. In addition to pumpkins, squash and gourds, this family is also home to cucumbers and melons. As you may have guessed, cucurbits are herbaceous vining plants. However, some members like zucchini grow on very short vines.
The Cucurbitaceae family consists of approximately 125 genera. Squash and pumpkins are both plants in the Cucurbita genus. You can also find some decorative gourds here. Other gourds, like birdhouse, snake and luffa are listed in other genera within the Cucurbitaceae family.
To break it down further, pumpkins, squash and gourds have varieties in the Cucurbita pepo species. Yet pumpkins and squash cultivars can also be found in Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita mixta. Thus, scientific classification alone doesnt clearly distinguish among the three. We have to dig a little deeper.
Some people say that pumpkins are simply a type of squash. When we consider the difference between squash and pumpkin, its often based on shape, size and usage. We typically think of pumpkins as being larger and rounder than most squash. There are some exceptions, like mini pumpkins, pie pumpkins, and round squashes like acorn and buttercup.
Not only are pie pumpkins smaller than carving pumpkins, but their flesh is usually sweeter and creamier. They are also sometimes called sugar pumpkins. As a general rule, pumpkins that are grown to eat are usually used in baked goods or desserts, like muffins and cakes.
What are the different types of pumpkins? Squashes explained…
FAQ
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