Is Pumpkin a Fruit? An Investigation
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Pumpkins are practically synonymous with fall, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re using them as part of your fall decorating ideas, baking them into a classic pie, or whipping up a cozy soup on a chilly night, these cheerful fall icons always make the season feel extra festive. But have you ever stopped to wonder what a pumpkin actually is? We usually toss it into the “vegetable” category without a second thought, right alongside potatoes, carrots, and squash. After all, pumpkins aren’t particularly sweet, and we tend to prepare them the same way we do other veggies.
But here’s the thing: For all the ways we carve, cook, and decorate with pumpkins, many people don’t actually know the truth about how they’re classified. Is pumpkin a fruit? A vegetable? Something else entirely? The answer might surprise you—and once you learn it, you’ll never look at a pumpkin the same way again.
So, is pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
Believe it or not, pumpkins are actually a fruit! This might surprise you if you’ve always considered pumpkins to be a classic autumn vegetable. After all, you can roast them, turn them into soup, and they’re not very sweet, either. But botanically speaking, they’re firmly in the fruit category. Why? Pumpkins grow from the flower of the pumpkin plant and contain seeds, just as other fruits do like apples, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
While we often think of pumpkins as vegetables because they aren’t sugary or tart like apples or berries, their classification as a fruit comes down to their botanical characteristics. Next time you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern or whipping up a pumpkin pie, impress your friends with this quirky fact about one of fall’s most iconic crops.
What is the difference between a fruit and a vegetable?
Pumpkins are just one of many foods we think of as vegetables that are actually fruits. Tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini? Believe it or not, they’re all fruits too! So how can you tell them apart? The main difference comes down to how they grow. Botanically speaking, fruits develop from the flower of a plant and contain seeds, while vegetables come from other parts of the plant, like the roots (think root vegetables like carrots), stems (like celery), or leaves (lettuce).
Is pumpkin good for you?
Whether you’re roasting the seeds for a snack or eating the flesh in soups or pies, pumpkin is always a tasty treat. Lucky for us, it’s just as nutritious as it is delicious! This savory fruit boosts your immune system with vitamins A and C, and gives you a healthy dose of fiber to help with digestion. Pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin E, which offer big benefits for your eyes and skin. Even the seeds themselves are nutritious—they’re full of protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
What are some other “vegetables” that are fruits?
There are actually quite a few foods we think of as vegetables that are really fruits. Tomatoes are probably the most famous example, but peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and eggplants all fit into this category, too. Even avocados are classified as a fruit (yep, that giant pit in the middle is the seed!). The one thing they have in common? You guessed it, they all grow from flowers and have seeds inside. Just like pumpkin, these everyday “veggies” are technically fruits in disguise, despite the fact that they’re lower in sugar and typically more at home in soups and salads than pies.
Can you eat pumpkin?
Absolutely! Pumpkins aren’t just for decoration—they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. The flesh of the pumpkin can be roasted and pureed for everything from soups and stews to desserts like pies and breads. When cooked, its mildly sweet and earthy flavor makes it a perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes. But that’s not all—you can’t forget about the seeds! Pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) are not only edible, but also packed with nutrients. Roasting them is a simple way to create a delicious and crunchy snack. Just toss them in a little high-heat oil, salt, and pepper, spread them out on a baking sheet, and roast until they’re golden and crispy. From the flesh to the seeds, pumpkins are packed with tasty possibilities.
However, it’s important to note that there are certain pumpkins you shouldn’t eat. Decorative pumpkin varieties like Angel Wing, Apple Gourd, Baby Bear, Gooseneck, Jack Be Quick should be left as seasonal decor. These types of pumpkins can taste very bitter, and when a pumpkin tastes unusually bitter, then it means that it might contain toxically high levels of cucurbitacins (a compound found in pumpkins and gourds), which can make you sick.
How long do pumpkins last?
A whole, uncarved pumpkin can last a surprisingly long time. If you store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture, it can last for several weeks or even a few months. Their durability makes pumpkins not only a staple for fall decor, but also a practical ingredient to keep on hand throughout the season. However, once you cut into a pumpkin, its shelf life drops quickly.
To get the most out of your pumpkin, plan to use the cut portions within a few days. If you need to store it longer, placing the cut pumpkin in the refrigerator can help extend its life by a few extra days. As for roasted pumpkin seeds, if stored in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them the perfect handy snack to enjoy throughout the season!
How do you roast pumpkin seeds?
Roasting pumpkin seeds is easy once you know how to do it to get the best crunch and taste! Follow our quick guide and you’ll have the yummiest snack in no time.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
- First, preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- Clean off your seeds and remove any remaining pumpkin guts or slime with a clean towel.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your seeds to the water and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Drain your seeds and clean off any remaining pumpkin guts. Make sure to dry the seeds thoroughly. The drier they are, they better crunch you’ll get.
- Then, coat your seeds in a light layer of neutral oil, like walnut; olive; avocado; or safflower, and toss them with your seasoning of choice. You can stick to the classics with salt and pepper; make them sweet with a pinch of brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; or make them spicy with some chili powder.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the pumpkin seeds out in an even layer. Bake for 10-25 minutes (stirring the seeds in the oven halfway) until the seeds are fragrant and the edges are golden brown.
- Let them cool, and enjoy!
It’s a fun activity to do with the kids, and it’s less wasteful, too, since it helps put the entire pumpkin to good use.
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Short answer: Yes! Dogs can eat pumpkin, and it can actually be a nutritious addition to their diet in small amounts—small being the key word here. If you’ve never served them pumpkin before, Chewy recommends starting out with a “small serving of cooked pumpkin, working up to no more than 1 teaspoon (per 10 lbs. of body weight).” However, you should always consult your vet first, and don’t feed your pup anything you’re unsure about. There are a few other important tips to think about before feeding Fido pumpkin, too.
Pumpkin Serving Tips for Dogs
- Raw pumpkin can cause digestive upset, so it’s best to stick to steamed, baked, or roasted pumpkin for your pup. Outer skin and stem should be removed.
- Plain, canned pumpkin puree is fine for dogs, but do not serve your dog pumpkin pie filling, or other canned pumpkin with spices.
- Dogs are usually okay to eat plain roasted pumpkin seeds as long as they’re cooked without oils, spices, or salts.
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Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.
