Will you be buying a pumpkin this fall? Canadians purchase around 10 million of the decorative fruits every year. Although pumpkins come from the squash family, they are considered fruits. They originated in Central America and are now grown in every continent except Antarctica. There are 150 varieties of pumpkins, but the classic orange varieties found in grocery stores and markets are the most popular. Pumpkins come in a wide range of textures, shapes and colours. Here are a selection of alternatives to consider adding to your Halloween decorations:
Tandy - buttery, off-white
Cotton Candy - white
Long Island Cheese - pale peach
Mellow Yellow - lemon-yellow
Fairytale - dusty orange
Autumn Gold - bright orange
Rouge Vif D'Etempes - orange-red
Jarrahdale - dusty grey
Blue Max - blue-grey, blue-green
Black Futsu - purple-black
Pepitas - orange & green stripes
Blaze - orange & yellow stripes