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 is the difference between Cinderella and fairytale pumpkins? ›
Because of their names, and their similar shapes, Cinderella pumpkins are often confused with fairytale pumpkins. Fairytale pumpkins, also known as Musquée de Provence, are similar shape to Cinderella pumpkins, but they have an orange-brown color as opposed to the bright red-orange color of Cinderellas.
What to do with Cinderella pumpkins? ›
Cinderella pumpkins are great cooking pumpkins, because they have a nice mild flavor and color, aren't very stringy, and are dense with flesh. Wash the cleaver or ax with soap and water, and also wash the pumpkin. Place the ax or cleaver on the pumpkin and pound it in with the mallet.
When to plant Jack Be Little 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). Don't sow seeds if the spring weather is cold and damp as the seeds can rot if planted in cold, wet soil.
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.
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!
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.
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.
How do you cut a fairytale pumpkin? ›
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slide a chef's knife in the top center of the pumpkin until you hit the cutting board beneath. Gently rotate the knife 90 degrees to slice half the pumpkin. Repeat on the other side to cut pumpkin completely in half.
Harvesting Cinderella Pumpkin
Pumpkins are best harvested at peak ripeness. This is typically when they have turned their appropriate color and when their skin can not be easily pierced with your nail.
What did Cinderella's pumpkin turn into? ›
Cinderella ran into the garden and picked a big, orange pumpkin. The fairy godmother touched the pumpkin with her magic wand and it turned into a golden carriage.
What is the easiest pumpkin to grow? ›
Jack-be-little pumpkins are very easy to grow and take about 95 days to mature from the time they are planted in the ground. Since they are so tiny, you can even grow them on a trellis! During autumn, this looks especially interesting in the garden and even serves as seasonal décor.
Can you grow pumpkins in a 5 gallon bucket? ›
If you are growing them in a contain, use a container that holds around five gallons of soil. A plastic bucket works well and you can find those at Ace Hardware or Home Depot for around $4. Just drill a hole in the bottom so that water drains out of it. Seeds must be kept moist so be sure to water them every day.
Can you eat a fantasy pumpkin? ›
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.
How do you peel fairytale pumpkins? ›
Don't even try with a dull little knife. If you don't have a good knife, bake the pumpkin first, and then cut carefully. Fairytale pumpkins have a lot of “meat” so half of it can be used for sauce. If cooked right the pumpkin should resemble butternut squash and will peel away from the skin like butter.
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.
is easiest, three is harder.