Come autumn, we can't wait to start making our favorite pumpkin recipes, including pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin sugar cookies, and Ree Drummond's pumpkin spice muffins. It also just so happens to be the best time of year to pick fresh pumpkins for painting or carving. And with so many fun things you can do with pumpkin, you might be wondering everything there is to know about the fall fruit. For instance, just the fact that pumpkin is a fruit might be news to you! Or what about all the different types of pumpkins? (There's more than just jack-o'-lanterns.) Speaking of which, do you know the difference between pumpkin and squash?
Sure, some winter squashes like butternut squash and acorn squash might look different from those round orange pumpkins, but are they technically the same? And how do gourds fit into the equation? It can all sound a bit confusing, but we're here to set the record straight. Ahead, you'll find answers to these fun fall questions, including how each one tastes and different ways to use pumpkin and squash. So, read on for everything you need to know about squashes, and pumpkins, and gourds… oh my!
Are squash and pumpkin the same?
Technically speaking, pumpkins are a type of squash, but not all squashes are considered pumpkins. Think of it like this: Pumpkins are just one of many winter squash varieties, which also includes butternut squash, delicata squash, and acorn squash. And to make matters even more mystifying, pumpkins are also considered a gourd. Here's how it all breaks down:
Pumpkins, squashes, and gourds are all part of a botanical family of fruit known as the Cucurbitaceae family. It's a big family with over 900 species; that said, they do have some differences. For starters, pumpkins are often larger and rounder than most squashes or gourds, although there are exceptions. And unlike squashes (or even pumpkins), gourds are generally grown for decorative purposes.
So, does pumpkin taste like squash?
That all depends on the type of squash—and the type of pumpkin for that matter! Since there are so many different varieties, they can each have their own unique taste and texture. Sugar pumpkins for instance have a sweet flavor and soft, smooth texture when baked that makes them perfect for blending into soups or making pumpkin pie. Other winter squashes like acorn squash can be more earthy or nutty while some even have a unique stringy texture like spaghetti squash.
