Pepo:

Some Pepos are eaten in the immature stage as thin-skinned summer squash. Most traditional Jack-o-lantern carving and baking pumpkins are of the Pepo species. Acorn squash and spaghetti squash are also part of this family. They have distinctive hard woody stems that have furrows in them. The pumpkins in this family are a deep or bright orange.

Maxima:

Maximas can get huge, and keep fairly well in storage. You can usually tell them from a Pepo or Moshata in that they have a spongy cork-like stem. Most winter squash are also part of this family. Varieties include Pink Banana, Buttercup, Hubbard and Turban.

Moschata:

Moshatas are excellent keepers. Their flesh is usually orange in color, sweet and refined. They store extremely well and are well suited for a multitude of recipes. Their stems are smooth and have deep ridges. Examples are the Cushaw Green and Gold and Butternut. Their color is usually tan or cream and they are elongated in shape.

Mixta:

Mixtas typically have pale yellow or cream-colored flesh. They are usually not quite as sweet or refined as a Moshata or Maxima. They are often stuffed or baked with brown sugar or maple syrup to complement their flavor. The above descriptions are general and I have found there can be many exceptions. Mixta are also known as argyrosperma.

Varieties:

There are hundreds of different varieties of pumpkins and squash. I am particularly fond of the old-fashioned heirloom varieites.

What is an heirloom?

Heirlooms are the varieties that were grown generations ago, many dating back to hundreds of years old. They are open pollinated unlike the new hybrids on the market today. There are organizations who specialize in preserving heirloom seeds for future generations to come. One example is the Queensland Blue which was nearly lost to cultivation. A group of Australian gardeners worked together to bring back this treasured heirloom.

Many heirlooms have traits that modern growers saw as flaws. Some varieties are hard to germinate. Some have poor or inconsistent production. Sometimes heirlooms don't have uniform sizes. Modern scientists bred new hybrids specifically looking for high yields, uniformity in size and shape, ability to be bulk harvested, and ability to stand up to handling during transportation.

Along the way they lost something very important . . . TASTE!

I firmly believe in the importance of preserving these old heirlooms that served us well for generations. Traditions are the foundation of families. I believe it important to honor those farming traditions.

Nutrition Facts

Pumpkins are very good for you. They fit well into a health-conscious diet. And aside from that, they taste good!

Pumpkins are low in calories but high in fiber. They are also low in sodium. The seeds are high in protein, iron, and the B vitamins.

Pumpkins are very high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxident. It converts into Vitamin A, which is important to maintain a healthy body.

Researchers believe that eating a diet rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. They also believe it helps to delay aging.