This article provides an overview of pumpkin, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make pumpkin substitutes.
What is Pumpkin?
A pumpkin is a round winter squash that is usually orange in color and has a smooth, but slightly ribbed skin texture. There are many different cultivars of pumpkin grown, both for culinary purposes and recreational. Pumpkins are native to North America, especially between the southern states and northeastern Mexico.
What does Pumpkin taste like?
Pumpkins vary in taste depending on the cultivar and the process of cooking. The majority of the pumpkin can be eaten and they are usually boiled, steamed or roasted.
Some pumpkins, especially the smaller versions, are sweet in flavor, with nutty undertones. They can be described as tasting similarly to sweet potatoes.
Is Pumpkin readily available in Supermarkets?
Pumpkins are a winter squash and often gain in popularity during the autumnal months when they will be readily available in supermarkets. Some cultivars will be available year-round, while others may be harder to find during the spring and summer months.
What are some alternative names for Pumpkins?
There are no common alternative names for cooking pumpkins, although the recreational kind is often referred to as ‘jack-o-lantern’ which is used for pumpkin carving during Halloween.
What is a good substitute for Pumpkin in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for pumpkins. These include:
- Pumpkins can be substituted easily for any other winter squash or butternut and acorn squash, where they all have similar textures and flavors.
- You can also substitute for turnip or sweet potato in recipes.