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Pumpkins are Edible

As soon as they turn orange, people turn to cooking pumpkins and using them in every recipe they can find. At the same time, they ask "Are all varieties of pumpkins are edible?" The plain and simple truth is - - Yes, all varieties of pumpkins are edible.

The relevant question to ask is about taste and texture. For it is here that no two pumpkin varieties are equal. Here's the the tasty facts:

Pie Pumpkins (or Sugar Pumpkin, or Sugar Pie Pumpkins) This is the best pumpkin for baking and cooking in all of your favorite recipes. It has a sweeter taste than other varieties. It is also a smooth texture.

Jack O'Lanterns Make no mistake, these pumpkins are very good in your favorite recipes. My mother picks up several from me each year and comes back with lots of delicious goodies for her grandchildren. Mom knows her pumpkins, err Jack O'Lanterns. She takes small and mid size Jack O'Lanterns. The larger ones get too stringy and have a coarser texture, she says. So, take it from mom. Cook your Jack O'Lanterns if you want to.

Miniatures (Ie. Jack B. Littles) There isn't a lot of "meat" in these pumpkins. A lot of people do not even know they are edible, let alone think to cook with them. Most uses of the minis are as bowls to hold another recipe. But they certainly are edible.

Giant Pumpkins After giant pumpkins are weighed and displayed, what do you do with them? Well, a lot of people find abstract uses. But, they are edible. Giant pumpkins tend to be coarse and have a less desirable taste. Many of them taste more like squash (their close cousins) than pumpkin. Some people bake them in pies. They are also common in soups, especially in places like Australia.They are also baked or cooked in recipes that call for squash.

Whatever pumpkins you you choose, they are all edible and good for you too. So, eat and enjoy!

Bon Appetite!!!

More Information:

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts

Recipes Galore!

Pumpkins and Your Health

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