In other words, a pumpkin is a squash but not all squash are pumpkins.īoth are fleshy, delicious, and nutritious. Its color and shape can vary depending on its species. Conversely, a squash is any edible herbaceous vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The word “pumpkin” does not have any botanical meaning but is actually a common term used to refer to any round, orange squash (mostly belonging to the species Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima).

What, then, is the difference between a pumpkin and a squash? Although it is famous for soups, it is actually very versatile and can also be baked, roasted, or sautéed. The squash is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, cucurmosin, cucurbitacin, and cucurbitin. Winter squash – cushaws, hubbards, butternut, and banana squash.Summer squash – zucchini, pattypan, crookneck, and straightneck squash.The fruits’ shape and color vary depending on the species. On the other hand, a squash is an edible herbaceous vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. During the Halloween, pumpkins are carved into different designs and are called jack-o-lanterns.ĭifference between a Bobcat and a Mountain Lion Different types of squashes However, aside from its culinary purpose, it can also be used as an animal feed or an ornament, especially during the autumn. It is also great for pumpkin soup and pumpkin bread. The pumpkin is the main ingredient in pumpkin pies, which is a traditional food usually served during Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada. It also contains a moderate content of vitamin C and traces of fiber, calcium, and potassium. It is a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene (which gives it the deep orange color). In general, a pumpkin is 92% water, 6.5% carbohydrates, and the rest is fat and protein. Its shell, flesh, seeds, flowers, and even leaves can be eaten. It is usually dark yellow or deep orange and can weigh from 6-18 pounds. It is a generic term that refers to any round orange squash usually belonging to the species Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima.Ī pumpkin has a thick, ribbed, smooth shell. The term pumpkin actually has no botanical definition. Send us feedback about these examples.Pumpkin Squash A common term used to refer to any round, orange squash (mostly belonging to the species Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima) Any edible herbaceous vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family its color and shape can vary depending on its species Can be eaten and also be used as a decoration for autumn Mainly used for culinary purposes and infrequently used as an ornament Descriptions A kind of squash typically called a “pumpkin” These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gourd.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2023 Place small gourds around the more oversized items, and scatter additional bright fall leaves along the table. Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2023 This ceramic gourd will cast a cozy glow with a tea light inside.Īt Blue Heron Gifts & Boutique, 454 Franklin St., Havre de Grace.

Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2023 Assorted gourds make easy and super-seasonal centerpieces for a space primed for a fall party. 2023 Fall starts this week, so why wait until October or November to savor the season’s favorite gourd? - Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023 Instead of free-handing your pumpkin design and feeling less than impressed by the final result, print one of our many free stencils, and tape it to your pumpkin or gourd. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2023 Pumpkin Dish Towel Toss the spirit of fall into your kitchen with a few simple tweaks, like a simple dish towel decked out in a bold assortment of gourds. 2023 Martha Stewart manned the helm of a giant wheel barrel of gourds. Halee Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. Recent Examples on the Web For an autumn party, take a similar approach, but with mini pumpkins, gourds, or other seasonal produce.

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