It’s fall, which means its time to pay tribute to that iconic mascot of the season. As a food, as a piece of natural art, and as an enduring symbol of autumn, pumpkins are practically perfect in every way. So here’s all our best pumpkin content to honor them.
If you’re not certain about squash’s preeminence, please allow us to present some of the evidence in their favor: They’re incredibly healthy; they come in all sorts of enchanting shapes, shades, and sizes; almost every part is edible, from skin to seeds; they’re cooked in cuisines all over the globe; they’re great for decorating your space all fall; and they even make fantastic (if polarizing) beer that’s the alcoholic answer to the PSL!
Seriously, squash is hot. Check out all our premium pumpkin content and see if you don’t come away with a new appreciation of the almighty gourd. (Which is, by the way, technically a fruit, since it’s a seed-bearing structure—though we often treat it like a vegetable, which is yet more proof of its versatility.)
The Best of Pumpkins
From pumpkin recipes to the art and science of squash, this is everything you need to know about fall’s beloved orange icon.
This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Is Even Better Than Starbucks’
It’s cheaper, healthier, and tastier too, thanks to real pumpkin puree, homemade pumpkin spice, and maple syrup. Plus, you can make it vegan if you want to. Get our DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.
All the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Products You Have to Try This Fall
Trader Joe’s
You can buy pumpkin-packed products and pumpkin spice everything everywhere these days, but TJ’s has some of the very best. We picked our favorite Trader Joe’s pumpkin products for 2020, including both brand-new items and old standbys.
How to Make Desserts Using a Whole Pumpkin
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As in, you can eat the entire thing (well, except the stem). See how to use the whole pumpkin in dessert.
Baked Eggs in Mini Pumpkins Are the Ultimate Fall Breakfast
Yes, you can eat gourds for breakfast too. Our mini pumpkin baked eggs recipe with a butternut squash and bacon hash is the most adorable and delicious way to start the day on any autumn weekend.
13 Pumpkin Pies You’ve Never Tried Before
Chowhound
If pumpkin dessert means only one thing to you, you still have tons of options. Check out these pumpkin pie recipe ideas for unique twists on the classic Thanksgiving dessert.
16 Delicious Things You Can Make from a Pumpkin
Chowhound
Still hungry for something different? Try these pumpkin recipe ideas for even more options, both savory and sweet.
An International Look at Pumpkin: How It’s Prepared Around the World
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Making grub from gourds is a global phenomenon, and for good reason. They’re nutritious, delicious, and versatile enough to star in all sorts of dishes. Get pumpkin recipes from other countries.
What’s the Difference Between Pumpkin Puree and Pumpkin Pie Filling?
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It’s a little more than just a spoonful of sugar, so be sure you always grab the right can (and know when you can substitute). Find out the finer points of canned pumpkin vs pumpkin pie filling.
Clever Ways to Decorate with Pumpkins This Fall
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Gourds are great for giving a seasonally festive feel to your home, from Halloween through Thanksgiving, no matter what your style (and ambition level). It’s worth looking at the DIY pumpkin succulent planter, at the very least. Get ideas on decorating with pumpkins for fall.
Pumpkin Pie Lies: It’s Actually Canned Squash
Shutterstock
Sure, it’s a matter of semantics, but we like to know exactly what we’re getting. And the history of how cucurbits ended up in pies—and in cans—in the first place is an interesting one. Discover the truth about pumpkin pie.
How Do People Grow Massive Pumpkins?
Shutterstock
Now, that’s a great pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Here’s how people grow those gargantuan gourds—and what it’s like to compete in giant pumpkin contests (surprisingly lucrative, in some cases). Learn the secrets to growing giant pumpkins.
What’s Actually in Pumpkin Spice? (And Why Does It Work So Damn Well?)
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We break down the science of the flavors we fall for every autumn. Even if you don’t like ’em in your latte, these warm spices will work together to win you over. See what pumpkin spice is made of (and how to make your own).
All the Pumpkin Spice Products You Can Buy Online This Fall
Bones Coffee Company/Amazon
If you’re suddenly craving that warm fall flavor, check out the best pumpkin spice products to buy online right now. (And see even more in our pumpkin spice product taste test from last year; some were smashing, and are still available in 2020.)
16 Perfect Pumpkin Spice Recipes That Aren’t Pie
Chowhound
Should you prefer to DIY, we collected the best pumpkin spice recipe ideas that go way beyond pie and lattes, including some savory options for dinner.
Love It or Loathe It, Pumpkin Beer Is a Fall Staple, and Older Than You May Think
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Turns out, you might have George Washington to thank—or blame—for pumpkin beer! And is there actually pumpkin in it? Slake your thirst for knowledge and find out how pumpkin beer is made and who invented it.
From Blue to Cheese, Get to Know These Under-the-Radar Pumpkin and Squash Varieties
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These unusual squashes are eye-catching and palate-pleasing, but they can be hard to find, so get thee to a pumpkin patch, posthaste. Or take a virtual tour of interesting and uncommon kinds of winter squash.
The 50 Best Pumpkin Patches in America
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If you’re feeling the urge to hit up your nearest farm stand, STAT, Yelp curated the the best pumpkin patches in America, and we picked a few of our own. Even if you don’t have a kid to entertain, your inner child will have tons of fun—you could even see corn boxes, pig races, and a pumpkin-eating dinosaur. Plus, you can pick up delicious things to eat along the way.
6 Reasons Why Pumpkin Is the New Superfood
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They’re perfect, they’re beautiful, they look like Linda Evangelista—I mean, they’re a nutritional powerhouse. And they are definitely a model member of the superfood club. Discover the health benefits of pumpkin for even more reasons to love eating them.
The Tools You Need to Carve a Perfect Pumpkin & How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro
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These are the right tools for the job—of pretending you’re competing on “Halloween Wars” (or just pulling off the best jack-o-lantern on the block). See how to carve a pumpkin like a pro, and pumpkin carving tools that make it even easier to create a monsterpiece.
What to Do with Pumpkin Seeds
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Don’t throw them out! These pumpkin seed recipe ideas range from roasting them at home to making them into pesto and salsa, and even turning them into brittle and bark (we are approaching peak candy season, after all).
More Pumpkin Recipes
We have plenty of pumpkin recipe ideas in addition to the ones already mentioned above, but here are a few more worth spotlighting:
Pumpkin Sourdough Focaccia with Caramelized Red Onions and Pepitas
Heather Reid
This pillowy pumpkin sourdough focaccia recipe is just the thing to pair with all your fall soups and stews.
Ovenly’s Pumpkin Olive Oil Quick Bread Loaf Cake
Ovenly
For a sweeter take, this is our executive editor’s pick for the best pumpkin bread recipe of all time.
Pumpkin Snacking Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Jessie Sheehan
This easy pumpkin cake recipe is so good it could even sway those on Team Pie. The warm spices and rich chocolate cream cheese frosting are simply fantastic.
The Easiest Pumpkin Pie You’ll Ever Make
If you still swear allegiance to pie but just plain swear whenever you attempt a homemade pie dough, this easy crustless pumpkin pie recipe is here for you.
Header image courtesy of Chiao Wei Chuan / EyeEm / Getty Images
