How to tell if a pumpkin is good for cooking

Aren't pumpkins the best? Their versatility as a symbol of autumn is hard to beat. They can be used for everything from decorating the porch to carving them into Halloween lanterns, and of course, preparing delicious sweet and savory dishes. There's a reason it's called pumpkin spice season!

There are countless types of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes. And while pumpkins are fruits (technically a type of zucchini), not all of them are edible. Don't worry, this isn't a Halloween joke. Many decorative pumpkins are edible, but they can be watery, stringy, or bland. If a pumpkin has an extremely bitter taste, don't eat it, as this could be a sign of high levels of cucurbitacins, which can cause stomach upset.

So, if you're going to cut up and eat a pumpkin for cooking, you need to know how to choose it. This also applies to making pumpkin desserts. The good news is that whether you go to a pumpkin patch or pick one from a pile at your local supermarket, you can look for varieties labeled for cooking, such as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins. Pretty helpful to know, right? Here's how to choose the right pumpkin for cooking.

How to choose a pumpkin for cooking

The most common pumpkin for cooking is the sugar squash, often called pie squash because it's ideal for pumpkin pie and other desserts. Ree Drummond uses them for her pumpkin puree and comments, "They're naturally sweeter, less watery, and have a softer texture than large carving pumpkins."

You can also cook with other types of pumpkins, such as Cinderella and fairytale pumpkins. Their ridged shape makes them great for decorating, but they also have delicious flesh that you can use in pies and soups. And here's a fun fact: Libby's canned pumpkin is made from a special variety of Dickinson squash that looks quite different from the orange Halloween pumpkins you might be picturing.

How to choose a sweet pumpkin

Sugar pumpkins are small and round, and typically weigh between two and ten pounds. Look for a pumpkin that feels heavy for its size, indicating dense, meaty flesh. The standard sugar pumpkin variety is a deep, uniform orange. Make sure the skin is free of cracks, blemishes, and any soft or dark areas. The stem should be firm and securely attached.

How to preserve a pumpkin for cooking

Once you have the pumpkin at home, store it whole, uncut, in a cool, dark, and dry place until you're ready to use it. If stored properly, it will keep well for up to three months. If you cut it, wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. And don't forget to save the seeds! You can roast them and use them in various seasonal recipes.