Pumpkin grower: every variety has its own flavor and purpose in the kitchen

As autumn sets in, pumpkins once again become a hot topic — a vegetable that rarely leaves anyone indifferent. Some people love it, others refuse to even try it, but according to an experienced pumpkin grower, most skeptics simply haven't given the vegetable a fair chance.

According to the grower, judging a pumpkin based on a single taste test isn't enough. Each variety has its own distinct qualities — differences in texture, sweetness, and aroma — which determine how it's best used in cooking.

A different purpose for each variety

The grower emphasizes that pumpkin varieties are not interchangeable. Some are better suited for oven roasting, where their flesh turns creamy and sweet, while others shine when boiled in a pot — in soups, purees, or stews. This distinction, the article notes, is often the main reason people end up disappointed after a first attempt: the variety they chose simply wasn't right for the cooking method they used.

The article, originally published in October 2024 as part of the TVNET+ archive, introduces readers to nine of the most popular pumpkin varieties, along with the grower's advice on how best to use each one. The goal is to help readers pick the right pumpkin for a specific dish, rather than ending up disappointed due to a mismatched choice.

The author encourages pumpkin skeptics not to dismiss the vegetable after one unsuccessful attempt, but instead to try different varieties and preparation methods to find the one that suits them best.