The Difference Between Pie Pumpkins And Carving Pumpkins

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There are a few pumpkin picking secrets to know to ensure you bring home the best-looking jack-o-lantern from the patch each year. One of the best ways to identify a carving pumpkin is by its size. According to She Knows, these pumpkins are made to be ideal for carving, so they are typically larger and carry more water weight than smaller pumpkins designed for cooking. In contrast, the sugar pumpkins you find at the store or at your local farmer's market are tiny, and thus packed with dense flesh rather than the stringy mess of pumpkin guts you'll encounter when carving jack-o-lanterns. And, of course, the bigger the pumpkin, the thinner the shell and easier the carve.

Pie pumpkins are sweeter and richer than carving pumpkins, which can be bland and almost bitter (via My Fearless Kitchen). Did you know there are also different varieties of pumpkins you can choose from? You can find medium-sized ones, like Autumn Gold or Hobbit pumpkins, or if you want to go even bigger with your Halloween gourd art, you could opt for Wolf or Gold Rush kinds that range from 15 to 35 pounds (via The Kitchn). The same is true for a variety of pie pumpkins out there. Ghost Rider or Lumina pumpkins are a couple of types great for baking, according to The Kitchn. With this new skill, you're sure to bake the right pie and eat it too!