Carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, scoop them out for pumpkin pie, or use them as inspiration for a seasonal drink. There’s plenty of fun things to do with pumpkins. In the fall, pumpkins are ubiquitous for décor, food, and festivities. Their round (or not) shape, orange (or not) colour, and autumn icon status (always) are a testament to the season.
At Farm Boy, we don’t just create a fun, fresh-market experience that celebrates the harvest. We also incorporate pumpkins into every aspect of our stores. From curated Private Label products starring the fabulous gourd to festive displays to handpicked pumpkins of all shapes and sizes – it’s like visiting a pumpkin patch when you stop by Farm Boy in October. Read on to learn all about pumpkins including where they grow, different varieties, recipes, and so much more.
Blog Overview
- Pumpkins are a fall fruit that’s commonly mistaken for a vegetable.
- In Canada, pumpkins primarily grow in Ontario, followed by Québec and British Columbia.
- There are lots of varieties of pumpkin with different colours, shapes, sizes, flavours, and uses.
- They are wholesome and nutritious, with high amounts of vitamins and minerals while remaining low in calories.
- Pumpkin is a popular fall flavour that is used in baked goods, savoury recipes, beverages, and more.
Where Do Pumpkins Grow in Canada?
Pumpkins are native to Canada and have grown here for many centuries. Indigenous peoples are, of course, the first to enjoy this beloved fall gourd, choosing to roast, steam, or bake it. Now, they are grown on every continent in the world!
In Canada, the majority of pumpkins are grown in Ontario, with Norfolk County earning its reputation as Canada’s Pumpkin Capital. It boasts about 40% of Canada’s total pumpkin growing acreage! Pumpkins also grow in Québec and British Columbia, with a few outliers in the Maritime provinces. Sandy loam, warmer climates, and longer summer growing seasons are the ideal environment for pumpkins. This makes the growing conditions of Ontario ideal for pumpkin harvesting.
Types of Pumpkins
Baby Boo
Also Known As: White Baby Boo or miniature white pumpkin, generically.
Appearance: A miniature, tennis-ball sized white pumpkin. Baby Boo pumpkins are slightly flattened with prominent ribbing.
Flavour: Mild, sweet, and nutty.
Best For: Seasonal décor and floral arrangements, although they are edible and can be stuffed.
Blue Doll
Also Known As: Blue pumpkin, generically.
Appearance: Medium to large in size with greenish, silvery, and blue-coloured rinds and deep ribbing. Blue Doll pumpkins weigh about 15 to 20 pounds. When cut, they have a pale to bright orange flesh.
Flavour: Rich, sweet, and nutty with notes of honey.
Best For: Sweet and savoury dishes like curries, soups, and pies, but most frequently used for seasonal décor.
Cinderella
Also Known As: Rouge Vif d’Etampes
Appearance: Bright red and orange skin with moist flesh and a deeply ribbed, moderately flattened shape. Named for its resemblance to the carriage in the classic fairy tale.
Flavour: Mildly sweet, earthy, and nutty with a creamy texture.
Best For: Stews, pumpkin butter, soups, casseroles, and baked goods. Their stackable shape also makes them a favourite for fall décor.
Jack-o’-Lantern
Also Known As: Carving pumpkins, generically.
Appearance: Tall and large with moderate ribbing and thinner walls. These pumpkins have both a vibrant orange skin and flesh.
Flavour: Mild and very earthy with zero sweetness and a watery, stringy texture.
Best For: rarely used for culinary purposes, Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins are used for exactly what their name implies: carving into jack-o’-lanterns!
Jamaican
Also Known As: Calabaza pumpkin, West Indian pumpkin
Appearance: Round and slightly flattened, the Jamaican pumpkin is dark green with tan stripes.
Flavour: Mildly sweet and slightly nutty with a similar texture to butternut squash.
Best For: Soups, stews, rice dishes, and fish dishes.
One Too Many
Also Known As: Bloodshot eyeball
Appearance: A large pumpkin weighing on average 20 pounds, this variety has a creamy skin with orange, reddish, and greenish strings or veining that cascades down the sides.
Flavour: Sweet, creamy, and nutty.
Best For: Soups, stews, pies, and other baked goods, as well as a favourite for autumn decorations.
Pie
Also Known As: Sugar pie pumpkin, sugar pumpkin
Appearance: A smaller, rounder pumpkin that weighs between five to seven pounds. These pumpkins have a paler to dark orange colour and light ridging.
Flavour: Sweet, earthy, and nutty with a tender, buttery texture.
Best For: As the name suggests, these naturally sweet gourds are ideal for baking, as well as in savoury dishes. Their uniform shape also makes them a good choice for seasonal décor.
Tiger Striped
Also Known As: Tiger pumpkin, mini Tiger pumpkin
Appearance: Small, round, and squat with a slightly flattened shape, these pumpkins have pronounced ribbing. They vary in colour from green to white or orange with vertical striping.
Flavour: Tender, sweet, and slightly nutty.
Best For: Predominantly used for ornamental reasons, Tiger Striped pumpkins can also be eaten or used as a serving vessel for soups and stews.
Wee-B-Little
Also Known As: Wee-Be-Little
Appearance: A pint-sized pumpkin that weight anywhere from eight ounces to a full pound, it has a deep orange, smooth skin.
Flavour: Sweet and mild, somewhere between squash and sweet potato.
Best For: Its adorable shape makes this variety perfect for fall décor and is a great pumpkin for kiddos. Its smooth skin makes it an excellent choice for painting and decorating.
Health Benefits of Pumpkins
Pumpkins often get dressed up with spices and sugar and used in baked goods. However, when enjoyed all on their own, they’re actually incredibly nutritious! This fruit is primarily composed of water, which makes it a lower calorie option (similar to its cousin, watermelon).
Additionally, pumpkins are high in vitamin A and have a decent amount of fibre, vitamin C, copper, and riboflavin, as well as other important minerals and nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are another a great way to boost your nutrition. Pumpkin seeds – or pepitas – are high in protein and heart-healthy fat, as well as a source of fibre and minerals like manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Consider adding a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds to your salads, soups, or baked goods to enjoy some bonus benefits!
Our Farm Boy Pumpkin Picks
Pumpkin Spice Filled Cruffies
Our Fan Favourite Cruffies get the pumpkin spice treatment just for fall! Our buttery, flaky croissant-meets-muffin pastries are filled with a creamy pumpkin spice custard and lightly sprinkled with sugar.
The perfect autumn pick-me-up for breakfast, snack, dessert, or any time a pumpkin spice craving hits (while the season lasts).
Farm Boy™ Pumpkin Spice Loaf Cake
Crafted fresh by us in the Farm Boy Kitchen, this seasonal loaf cake is loaded with your favourite fall flavours. Baked with real pumpkin, brown sugar, and fall spices, this cake is studded with crunchy pumpkin seeds and sweet dried cranberries.
Only available for a limited time, enjoy it warmed with a pat of butter or topped with a scoop of Farm Boy Ice Cream.
Farm Boy™ Pumpkin Spice Latte Oat-Rageous Frozen Dessert
Locally crafted with Canadian oats, this dairy-free dessert is sure to satisfy your seasonal cravings. With a rich, creamy texture thanks to high-quality ingredients and low overrun churning, it’s a decadent pumpkin-spiced delight.
Enjoy scooped straight from the container or poured over your favourite fall coffee for a fresh twist on an affogato.
Pumped-Up Pumpkin Recipes
Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: butter, garlic, sage, fusilli, vegetable broth, milk, cream cheese, pumpkin, shredded cheese, paprika, granulated onion, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, pepper.
Rich and creamy, this seasonal spin on a classic pasta dish will become your new fall dinner go-to! With an added dose of vitamin A thanks to pureed pumpkin, you can enjoy a more wholesome version of your favourite comfort food.
Chef’s Tip: Sprinkle on a cheese and breadcrumb topping and bake this dish for a few minutes in the oven for extra decadence.
Pumpkin Spice Cream Trifles
Ingredients: cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cream, icing sugar, vanilla, pumpkin spice loaf cake, pumpkin seeds.
The perfect no-bake fall dessert – simply whip, layer, and enjoy! With alternating textures and just enough sweetness, these personal-sized trifles are an excellent choice for a fuss-free dessert.
Chef’s Tip: An extra dose of decadence would be finishing these trifles with salted caramel and a touch of Farm Boy™ Fleur de Sel just before serving.
Mini Pumpkin Spiced Halloween Cheesecakes
Ingredients: ginger cookies, butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, pumpkin, vanilla, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, whipping cream, icing sugar, maple sugar, Halloween candies.
A seasonal sweet treat the whole family can enjoy! These pumpkin spiced mini cheesecakes use real pumpkin and fall spices for the perfect bite. Make it a Halloween activity by baking ahead of time and setting up bowls of decorations for the kiddos to finish their own spooky sweet.
Chef’s Tip: Bake these mini cheesecakes ahead of time and freeze them! Thaw and finish with your toppings of choice just before serving.
More Pumpkin Dishes & Suggestions
Did you know?
- Pumpkins are actually a fruit! They’re classified as members of the cucurbitaecae family, along with watermelon, cucumber, and squash.
- The world’s largest pumpkin was grown in England in October 2026 and weighed 2,856.8 pounds!
- Jack-o’-lanterns originated in Ireland, but they didn’t use pumpkins. Instead, faces were carved into turnips or beets.
- Pumpkin is the most popular pet Halloween costume (followed by hot dog, bat, bumblebee, and spider).
- Pumpkins grow on every continent – except Antarctica!
- The original pumpkin pie wasn’t baked in a crust. Instead, a gourd was hollowed out and filled with milk, honey, and spices before being baked.
