As far as carving a sugar pumpkin goes, we wouldn’t recommend that either. Sugar pumpkins are denser and have thicker skin, which makes carving more difficult and dangerous. For safety’s sake, stick to carving pumpkins for, well, carving.
What is the difference between a sugar pumpkin and regular pumpkin?
First off, sugar pumpkins are not to be confused with the ones used to carve jack-o’-lanterns. Also called pie pumpkins or sweet pumpkins, sugar pumpkins are smaller, sweeter, and less fibrous, which makes them a great choice for cooking.
Are sugar pumpkins just small pumpkins?
Yes. A sugar pumpkin is a type of pumpkin that tends to be small, dense, and a little sweeter than a carving pumpkin. These pumpkins are perfect for pies or other baking. There are other varieties of pumpkins (not called sugar pumpkins) that are also good for pies and baking.
What’s the difference between a carving pumpkin and a baking pumpkin?
Carving pumpkins typically have a thinner skin, making them easier to carve. They also have less guts inside, which are usually stringier, making them easier to clean. Baking pumpkins — sometimes called sugar pumpkins — are usually smaller and more round in shape.
How can you tell a sugar pumpkin?
Often just 2-4 pounds, sugar pumpkins (also known as pie pumpkins or pumpkin pie squash) are sweeter than larger carving pumpkins, making them perfect for all of your favourite pumpkin dishes. Their flesh is also firmer and less stringy than carving pumpkins.
What can I use sugar pumpkins for?
In addition to pies, sugar pumpkins can also be used for baking cookies, cakes, and muffins. An average sugar pumpkin will yield as much as a can of pumpkin.
What are sugar pumpkins good for?
They’re great for roasting, making soups and for making homemade pumpkin puree for pies, not just because they have a good pumpkin flavor, but also because their firmer and less stringy flesh roasts up to a much more pleasant consistency than that of a much larger pumpkin.
What is a Cinderella pumpkin?
Cinderella pumpkins are a type of winter squash with a mild, sweet flavor and moist texture that makes them great for soups, sauces, purees, and curries. They can be roasted, baked and steamed, and used for ornamental purposes.
How do you preserve sugar pumpkins?
Pumpkin can be frozen or canned, Freezing is the easiest method to preserve pumpkin and will result in a quality product later on. Thoroughly wash the pumpkin, prick with a knife or fork in several places. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (until tender).
What type of pumpkin can you carve?
Captain Jack pumpkins
Captain Jack pumpkins are most common used for carving pumpkins.
Can all pumpkins be carved?
Carving Pumpkins
Technically, any type of pumpkin, gourd or squash can be carved, but you want to select ones that are easy for you and your kids to handle. Whether you’re picking them out at a farm or at the grocery store, make sure that your pumpkin is healthy and free of decay.
What kind of pumpkin can you carve?
The best kind of pumpkin for Halloween carving is what’s known as a field pumpkin. They’re characterised by having a very hard, dark green hooked stem, which you can use as a handle. And they’re the ones which are very easy to grow at home, but which we normally end up buying.
When should I pick my sugar pumpkins?
Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the rinds are hard and a rich shade of orange or white depending on the variety. If a light frost kills the vines, the pumpkins are ready to harvest. Pumpkins will be damaged by a heavy frost. Cut the pumpkins from the vine with pruning shears, leaving about 3 inches of stem attached.
How do you know when a sugar pumpkin is ready to pick?
A pumpkin that’s ready for harvest should be fully colored—whatever that hue might be. The rind should also be firm. If your fingernail easily pierces or creates an indentation in the skin, the pumpkin isn’t ready to harvest. Pick a pumpkin that’s too soft, and it will shrivel within a few days.
How can you tell if a sugar pumpkin is bad?
When a pumpkin goes bad, it will first begin to get soft on the bottom and then start leaking liquid. This is followed very quickly by mold in multiple colors, please throw it out before it gets to this point! They degrade very fast once they begin to get soft.
How big do small sugar pumpkins get?
8 to 10 inches
Small Sugar Pumpkins (aka Sugar Pumpkins) are round, flattened at the top and bottom, and have a hard, smooth deep orange rind with moderate ribbing. They grow to be 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) wide, and weigh 2.7 to 4 ½ kg (6 to 10 pounds.)
How big do Sugar Pie pumpkins get?
Sugar Pie Pumpkins are bright orange and have a very light ribbing with well secured handles when mature. Vines can spread 1.8-2.4 m (6-8′) long and grow approximately 61-76 cm (24-30”) tall.
Are sugar pumpkins good for pie?
Sugar pie pumpkins are commonly found in the grocery store in the produce section or at farm stands. This small, round pumpkin is packed full of flesh that makes it a good choice for cooking. The pulp also has a better texture (less grainy) and is sweeter.
How do you use sugar pie pumpkins?
In addition to sweet preparations, Sugar Pie pumpkins can be used in savory dishes such as soups, hollowed out, stuffed, and baked similarly to acorn squash, cubed and roasted as a side dish, or sliced into wedges and grilled. They are also used to make gnocchi, chili, empanadas, and curries.
What is a Casper pumpkin?
The Casper Pumpkin is a white skinned ornamental pumpkin with a thick orange flesh that is of excellent eating quality. This variety grows to be 9-12 inches in diameter and 10-16 pounds. Casper’s handle is tan with a corky texture and its skin has less bluing than many other white varieties.
What is a French pumpkin?
These pumpkins are smaller than the giant Halloween pumpkins here in the States, but slightly larger than the petite pie pumpkins we usually buy. They are richly orange – much darker in color inside than the yellow pumpkins here. We loved the flavor of this pumpkin so much.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.