Description/Taste
Fairytale pumpkins are medium to large in size, averaging 30-45 centimeters in diameter and weighing 15-20 pounds, and is round with a squat, flattened shape and a sturdy, light brown stem. The smooth rind is deeply lobed with prominent ribbing and transforms from a dark green to a rich light-brown to tan when mature. The bright orange flesh is thick, firm, and fine-textured encasing a small central cavity that contains some pulp and flat, cream-colored seeds. When cooked, Fairytale pumpkins are smooth, creamy, and tender with a spicy scent and a mild, sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Fairytale pumpkins are available in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Fairytale pumpkins, botanically classified as Cucurbita moschata, are a French winter heirloom variety and are members of the Cucurbitaceae family along with squash and gourds. Also known as the Musque De Provence squash, Fairytale pumpkins are prized for their excellent flavor, ornamental shape, and unique tan coloring. Fairytale pumpkins grow on vigorous vines that can reach over three meters in length and are named for their musky scent. They also belong to the “cheese pumpkin” group because of their resemblance to a wheel of cheese. Fairytale pumpkins are one of the only hard squash varieties that can be consumed raw and are known for their long storage capabilities, delicate flesh, and sweet flavor.
Nutritional Value
Fairytale pumpkins are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene and are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, and copper.
Applications
Fairytale pumpkins are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as sautéing, baking, boiling, and roasting. The pumpkin should be sliced from the center, and raw slices can be used in salads, consumed as a snack similar to cantaloupe, or used as a garnish on top of main dishes. When cooked, the pumpkin can be roasted and blended into soups, stews, curries, casseroles, butter, cream-based sauces, and pasta dishes. Fairytale pumpkins are also used in a variety of desserts and baked goods such as pies, tartlets, muffins, cakes, and cookies. Fairytale pumpkins pair well with pecans, rum, eggs, onions, garlic, meats such as ground beef, poultry, and sausage, fennel seeds, red bell peppers, zucchini, brown rice, quinoa, or farro. It will keep up to nine months when stored whole in a cool and dry location and up to two weeks when sliced and stored in the refrigerator. Fairytale pumpkin slices can also be frozen up to six months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In France, Fairytale pumpkins are known as Musque De Provence squash and have been a popular variety since its creation in the 19th century. Farms in the south of France harvest and sell the pumpkins whole or by the wedge. Due to the sheer size of the squash, it is commonly sold in more manageable pieces as one piece is typically enough for an entire recipe. The large squash is cut at the farm in a wedge like a pie slice, all seeds, and fibrous tissues are cut and cleaned away with a knife, and the wedge is wrapped in plastic and sold at the market.
Geography/History
Cucurbita species originated in Central and South America and were brought back to Europe via Spanish explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries. Fairytale pumpkins are a hybrid developed in Europe in the 19th century and are most well-known in the Provence region in the south of France that borders Italy and includes the coastal French Riveria. It was then introduced to the United States in 1899 and was first sold by a seed store in Chicago. Today the French heirloom is most often spotted at local farmers markets throughout France and is sold through online seed companies in the United States, Europe, and South Africa.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Pumpkins Fairytale. One 
is easiest, three is harder.
FAQs
Fairytale pumpkins are a large, flat member of the squash family (Cucurbitaceae) with a sweet, edible flesh that is perfect for cooking and baking. A winter squash, it has large, deep ribs, turns from dark green to orange-brown when ripe, and commonly grows up to 20 pounds or more.
What are fairytale pumpkins? ›
Fairytale pumpkins are a large, flat member of the squash family (Cucurbitaceae) with a sweet, edible flesh that is perfect for cooking and baking. A winter squash, it has large, deep ribs, turns from dark green to orange-brown when ripe, and commonly grows up to 20 pounds or more.
How to cut a fairytale pumpkin? ›
Gently rotate the knife 90 degrees to slice half the pumpkin. Repeat on the other side to cut pumpkin completely in half. Use a fork alternatively with a spook to scoop out the innards. Discard or save the pumpkin seeds for roasting or planting.
What to do with Cinderella pumpkins? ›
Cinderella pumpkins are a type of winter squash with a mild, sweet flavor and moist texture that makes them great for soups, sauces, purees, and curries. They can be roasted, baked and steamed, and used for ornamental purposes.
When to plant Jack Be Little pumpkins? ›
Planting small pumpkins
Small pumpkins are warm season vegetables and should be direct seeded a week or two after the risk of frost has passed in late spring and the soil has warmed to at least 65F (18C).
What is the folklore of pumpkins? ›
The custom of carving lanterns from pumpkins derives from folklore about a lost soul wandering the earth. In Ireland, a man called Stingy Jack was so manipulative, he caught the attention of the Devil. Admiring him for his evil deeds, the Devil came to take Jack's soul one night.
What are Cinderella pumpkins called? ›
Cinderella pumpkins, botanically classified as Cucurbita maxima, are a French heirloom variety that grows on sprawling vines reaching over three meters in length and are members of the Cucurbitaceae family along with gourds and squash.
Are Cinderella pumpkins hard to grow? ›
Pumpkins are quite frost tender and can't be planted until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Don't put them out before the temperature reaches 65Ż F daily. Pumpkins are sprawling plants, notorious for taking up a lot of room; so do not plant them in the middle of the intensive garden.
What does the pumpkin symbolize in Cinderella? ›
So, the pumpkin represents the transition of Cinderella. death. The second of the main characters is the fairy godmother. In this story, the fairy godmother represents God itself.
Can you eat the skin of a Cinderella pumpkin? ›
The correct answer is that ALL parts of the pumpkin are edible (although you wouldn't want to eat the dried stem – yuck!). Pumpkins are in the squash family, called “Cucurbits,” and all parts of all squash are edible – leaves, vines, fruit, seeds, skin and roots!
Small Sugar pumpkins are small and round, with sweet flesh high in sugar. They're easy to grow, and a full-grown pumpkin will weigh between 5 and 8 pounds. They're really cute, too, and can look quite adorable when carved.
Can you grow pumpkins in a 5 gallon bucket? ›
You can also grow pumpkins in a large 5- to 10-gallon bucket if need be. It is important to note that pumpkins require nutrient-rich soil—and a lot of it—as their large size tends to foster an even larger appetite for fresh soil. Make sure the soil you lay down is well-drained and not too soggy.
Can you eat a fantasy pumpkin? ›
Fairytale pumpkins are one of the only hard squash varieties that can be consumed raw and are known for their long storage capabilities, delicate flesh, and sweet flavor.
Can you eat the seeds from a Cinderella pumpkin? ›
Pumpkins are in the squash family, called “Cucurbits,” and all parts of all squash are edible – leaves, vines, fruit, seeds, skin and roots!
Can you eat goblin pumpkins? ›
Warty Goblin Pumpkin is an annual vegetable plant that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces large orange round fruit with green spots and orange flesh which are typically harvested when mature. The fruits have a sweet taste.
What fairy tale turned into a pumpkin? ›
The Pumpkin Coach was a carriage made for Cinderella by her Fairy Godmother so she could attend the ball. At the stroke of midnight, it turned back into a pumpkin.
is easiest, three is harder.
