Green pumpkins are a unique variety that can add colour and sweetness to any garden. These pumpkins come in shades of green ranging from bright to deep olive-green and have a sweet, slightly nutty flavour that makes them ideal for fresh eating or baking.
They are also low in calories and fibre, making them a great healthy snack. Planting green pumpkins is easy, but knowing when they are ready to harvest is essential so they don’t rot on the vine.
And once harvested, they should be adequately stored in an area with lower temperatures to ensure maximum preservation. All these benefits combined make green pumpkins a great addition to any garden or diet!
Varieties of Green Pumpkin
- Chinese Green Pumpkin
- Kabocha Squash
- Long Pie Pumpkin
- Turk’s Turban Pumpkin
- Indian Saucer Pumpkin
- Lumina Pumpkin
- Jarrahdale pumpkin
Chinese Green Pumpkin
The Chinese Green Pumpkin is a variety of pumpkins with smooth, light green skin and mild, sweet flesh. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and is delicious when boiled, steamed, or fried.
The flesh of the Chinese green pumpkin is tender and has a mildly sweet flavour that pairs well with spices like ginger and garlic. It can be added to soups, curries, or stews or served as a side for meat dishes.
Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash is a winter squash with dark green skin and deep orange flesh. It’s known for its sweet taste and dense, nutty texture. The squash is native to Japan but can be found in many countries worldwide, including the United States.
Kabocha squash has an array of culinary uses. Its flesh can be steamed, boiled, roasted, or pureed in soups, salads, curries, and pies.
Long Pie Pumpkin
Long Pie Pumpkin is an heirloom variety of pumpkins with a long, cylindrical shape and creamy-orange coloured skin. Its inner flesh is sweet and dense with a meaty texture—perfect for baking pies!
Long Pie Pumpkins are prevalent in desserts such as pies, muffins, cakes, and pieces of bread. They are also frequently added to soups, stews, and side dishes for additional flavour and nutrients.
Indian Saucer Pumpkin
Indian Saucer Pumpkin is an heirloom variety of pumpkins with a unique, saucer-like shape and vibrant orange skin. Its sweet, flavorful flesh is dense and nutrient-rich, making it a popular choice for baking dishes and desserts.
Indian saucer pumpkins are commonly used in savoury dishes such as soups, stews, and side dishes. Their nutty flavour pairs well with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric—perfect for making an authentic Indian-inspired meal!
Turk’s Turban Pumpkin
Turk’s Turban Pumpkin is an heirloom variety of pumpkins known as “Turban Squash” or “Buttercup.” It has a unique, turban-like shape and an intense orange colour. Its sweet, dense flesh offers a rich flavour and contains many essential vitamins and nutrients.
This squash variety can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. In savoury dishes, it can be roasted, mashed, or pureed into soups, stews, or side dishes for an extra layer of flavour.
Lumina Pumpkin
Lumina pumpkin, also known as white pumpkin, is a variety native to North America. It has smooth, bright white skin and a slightly flattened shape. Inside, it has bright orange flesh that is sweet and flavorful. Lumina pumpkin is typically used in cooking and baking and can be used in many of the same ways as traditional orange pumpkins. It is trendy for making pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, and other fall-themed dishes. If you want to try something new this fall, Lumina pumpkin is worth considering!
Jarrahdale pumpkin
Jarrahdale pumpkin is a type of pumpkin that originated in New Zealand. It has a distinctive blue-grey skin shaped like a squat, flattened sphere. Inside, it has deep orange flesh that is dense and dry, with a sweet, nutty flavour. Jarrahdale pumpkin is famous for its flavour, texture, and unique appearance. It is often used in soups, stews, curries, and roasted or pureed. It is also famous for decorative purposes, as its unusual appearance makes it an attractive addition to fall displays and centrepieces.
Characteristics of Green Pumpkin Varieties
Green pumpkins are an heirloom with distinct characteristics, making them perfect for various uses.
Shape and Color
Green pumpkins can vary in shape and size, with some being round while others being oblong with a flat top. These varieties are also distinct in colour, ranging from light green to dark olive green—even standing out among other orange-hued squash.
Flavour Profile
Green pumpkins typically offer a mild flavour profile compared to their orange counterparts. They are slightly nutty and sweet, with dense flesh offering a creamy texture.
Nutritional Value
Green pumpkins contain essential vitamins and nutrients like fibre, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. They’re also low in calories and fat-free, making them ideal for healthier snacks or meal options.
Decorative Potential
When it comes to decorations, white pumpkins get all the attention; however, green pumpkins can be just as eye-catching when used in jack-o’-lanterns or other seasonal décor.
Their colour makes them stand out from traditional orange offerings, adding a bit of flair wherever you place them!
Uses
Despite their unique characteristics, green pumpkins can still be used in many of the same ways as traditional orange squash varieties. They’re great for soups, stews, side dishes, and baking pies or pastries.
Green pumpkins can make an exciting addition to smoothies or shakes for a nutrient-rich snack or meal replacement.
Can You Eat Green Pumpkins?
Yes, you can eat green pumpkins. However, they may not be as sweet or flavorful as fully ripe ones, typically orange. The texture might be a little different as well. As pumpkins mature and turn orange, their sugar content increases, which enhances their flavour.
Green pumpkins can still be used in recipes, like soups or stews, where they’ll be cooked for a long time, which can help to soften their texture and mellow their flavour. They can also be pickled, similar to other types of squash.
Green pumpkin recipes
Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|---|
Green Pumpkin Soup | 1 small green pumpkin, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 4 cups vegetable broth, salt, pepper, olive oil | Peel and cut the pumpkin into chunks. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin chunks, broth, salt, and pepper. Boil and simmer until the pumpkin is soft. Purée with a hand blender. |
Green Pumpkin Curry | 1 small green pumpkin, 1 can coconut milk, 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, salt, pepper, vegetable oil | Peel and cut the pumpkin into chunks. Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Add curry powder. Add pumpkin chunks, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Boil and simmer until the pumpkin is soft. Serve with rice or flatbread. |
Roasted Green Pumpkin | 1 small green pumpkin, olive oil, salt, and pepper | Preheat oven to 400F. Cut pumpkin into slices or chunks, and toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Serve as a side dish. |
Green Pumpkin Salad Perfect For Fall!
How to Grow Green Pumpkins
Growing green pumpkins is pretty simple, though you may need to be patient as they have an extended growing period compared to other varieties. Here’s what you need to know when planting your green pumpkins:
Planting
Green pumpkins should be planted in well-draining soil in an area with plenty of sunlight. Ensure enough space between each plant—typically 6–10 feet apart.
Dig a small hole for the seeds and cover them with about 1/2 inch of soil. Water regularly and make sure the soil does not become overly saturated.
Care
Once your plants produce leaves and stem, you can thin out the weaker plants so that only two or three remain per mound. Make sure to fertilize your plants at least once per month and water regularly, taking care not to overwater or let the soil dry out too much. Watch for pests like caterpillars and squash bugs, which may feed on your fruits and leaves.
Harvesting
Green pumpkins will take longer to ripen than other pumpkin varieties—typically around 90–120 days, depending on your climate. They’re ready for harvesting once they’ve turned a deep shade of green with a hard outer shell! Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems (leaving at least 2 inches), then wash off any dirt before storage.
[Full] Pumpkin growth time-lapse: from the seed to the mature fruit in 108 days and nights
Do The Green Pumpkins Stay Green?
Green pumpkins do not stay green indefinitely. They are usually green because they are immature and have not yet ripened. As they ripen, they typically turn yellow, then deep orange. The color changes as the pumpkin matures and its starches convert to sugars.
However, some pumpkin varieties, like the ‘Jarrahdale’ or ‘Marina di Chioggia,’ can have a green or blue-green rind even when fully ripe. If you have a variety of pumpkins meant to turn orange but still green, leaving it in a sunny place can help them ripen and change color, as long as it’s not too cold outside.
Health Benefits OF Green Pumpkins
ich in Vitamins and Minerals:
Pumpkins are packed with vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and they also provide a good amount of vitamin C, which can boost your immune system. They also contain vitamins E, B2, and B5 and minerals like potassium, copper, and manganese.
High in Antioxidants:
Pumpkins are rich in antioxidants like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants can neutralize free radicals in your body, potentially reducing your risk of chronic diseases.
Good Source of Fiber:
Pumpkins, especially their seeds, are a good source of dietary fiber. Eating a diet high in fibre can help regulate your digestive system and may contribute to weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer.
Potentially Beneficial for Heart Health:
The antioxidants in pumpkins and their fibre and potassium content may benefit heart health.
Supports Immunity:
The high vitamin C content in pumpkins can help boost the immune system and enhance your body’s ability to fight infections.
Promotes Healthy Skin:
The high concentration of carotenoids and vitamin C in pumpkins can help protect your skin from the sun and free radicals, which can lead to premature ageing and skin cancer.
Green pumpkin seeds
Green pumpkin seeds, often called pepitas, are edible and nutritious. These are the hulled seeds from certain types of pumpkins, typically from oilseed pumpkins (like the Styrian pumpkin), which have seeds with a softer, thinner hull that is easier to eat.
Nutrient-rich:
Pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin K.
Antioxidant properties:
They contain antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E, reducing inflammation and protecting your cells from harmful free radicals.
Heart healthy:
The high levels of healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants can benefit heart health.
Prostate health:
Some research suggests that pumpkin seeds may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing problems with urination.
Blood sugar regulation:
They are high in fibre which can help regulate your blood sugar levels.
Versatile in the kitchen:
Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack, sprinkled over salads for a healthy crunch, ground into seed butter, or added to homemade granola and baked goods.
Common Pests and Diseases of Green Pumpkins
Green or heirloom pumpkins can be susceptible to pests and diseases like any other. Though there are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of your pumpkin patch being affected, Here’s a look at some of the most common pests and diseases that may affect your green pumpkin patch:
Pests
The two main pest threats for green pumpkins are caterpillars and squash bugs. Caterpillars feed on the leaves and stems of plants, while squash bugs will suck the sap from fruits and stems. Both can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
Diseases
Common diseases affecting green pumpkins include powdery mildew, downy mildew, gummy stem blight, Alternaria leaf spot, and verticillium wilt. All can cause severe damage if not treated quickly, so inspect your plants regularly for any signs of disease or discolouration.
Tips for Recovering Green Pumpkins from Pests and Diseases
Here are some essential tips for recovering your green pumpkins from pests and diseases:
- Remove any affected foliage immediately – this will help to reduce the spread of disease and prevent further damage.
- Inspect plants regularly for signs of discolouration or disease.
- Regularly weed your pumpkin patch to prevent bugs and insects from residing in your garden.
- Install a protective barrier around your plants (e.g., netting, row covers) to keep out pests.
- Use an approved fungicide or insecticide if necessary to treat any affected plants – always read and follow directions carefully when using these products!
Conclusion
Green pumpkins are a unique variety of pumpkins that offer an exciting addition to any garden. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colours, from bright green to deep olive green. Green pumpkins are also known for their sweet flavour, making them an excellent treat for anyone looking for something new and different. Whether you want something exotic or want to try something different, green pumpkins can bring a unique twist to your next meal or seasonal decoration.
More Information
A green pumpkin is a type of pumpkin that has a unique green colour and is typically smaller than the traditional orange variety. It has a sweet, slightly nutty flavour for fresh eating and baking.
Green pumpkins should be planted when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) or when all danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1 inch deep with 3 feet between each seedling. Keep the area weed free and provide adequate water throughout the growing season.
Yes! Green pumpkins are high in fibre, so they help promote digestive health by preventing constipation and keeping cholesterol levels in check. Additionally, they’re deficient in calories, making them an ideal snack for weight loss diets and those looking to cut down on sugar intake without sacrificing taste.
Green pumpkins can be eaten, although they may not be as sweet or flavorful as fully ripe ones. They can be used in cooking similarly to other types of squash.
Green pumpkins are healthy and offer a variety of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Like any fruit or vegetable, they are best eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Green pumpkins can be used in various dishes, including soups, stews, and roasts. They can also be pickled or used in a curry.
Yes, the seeds from a green pumpkin, often referred to as pepitas, can be eaten. They are rich in nutrients such as healthy fats, protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals.
Yes, a green pumpkin will turn orange as it ripens. If it’s off the vine, it can be ripened by storing it in a warm place and then moving it to a more fantastic place. However, some varieties of pumpkin stay green even when ripe.