Best pumpkins for making pies

 For all those looking to make pumpkin pie, here's a quick list of pumpkins most suitable for baking this classic, delicious Autumn dessert.

Best pumpkins for making pies:

The Ol Zebs Pumpkin

Photo: Sustainable Seed Company

Heirloom variety. Sometimes round, but usually oblong-shaped. It has a bright-orange, densely ribbed rind and a long, green, sometimes curvy, handle. It weighs up to 30 pounds. It is perfect for carving and decorating purposes, but it's also used to make pies.
Available in the Fall.
You can buy seeds at Sustainable Seed Company website.

'New England Pie' Pumpkin

New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins, Photo: Rareseeds

Compact. Small to medium. Orange or dark-orange skin, medium ribs,
 hard handles. Starchy & sweet flesh- ideas for pies.
You can buy it in the Fall.
Seeds available on Amazon & at Rareseeds.

Dickinson Pumpkin

Photos: Rareseeds

Medium to large. It has an oblong or cylindrical shape, smooth skin with moderate ribs, and thick, sweet orange flesh. It's usually dull orange colored. It has a seed cavity at the base (just like butternut squash). It resembles a giant hazelnut. Great for canning and making pies.
Available in the Fall.
You can buy seeds on Amazon.

Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

North America staple. Heirloom.

Medium to large, flattened, wide, ribbed. It looks like a wheel of cheese. Color range: light orange, dull orange, mildew orange, pinkish-orange. The flesh is bright orange & ideal for pies.
Available in the Fall.
You can buy seeds at Rareseeds.

Winter Luxury Pumpkin

Winter Luxury Pie Pumpkin, Photo: Rareseeds

Small to medium. It has orange skin covered with white netting (it makes it appear paler). It's round (almost perfect circle) with a long & hard handle. It looks exceptional as a decor piece, but it's most known for its smooth flesh which makes for incredible pies!
To buy in the Fall.
Seeds available on Amazon and on Rareseeds website.

Cinnamon Girl Pumpkin

Photo: Kristen Earley, Johnny's Selected Seeds

Round, small to medium with a hard & strong handle. It has a beautiful bright orange color. Makes for a great decor piece. Its flesh is perfect for making pies and canning.
Available in the Fall.
You can buy seeds at Johnny's Selected Seeds.

Arikara Squash

Arikara Squash - Knife River Squash Variety. Photo: Rareseeds.

North American heirloom that gets its name from Arikara tribe (today's North and South Dakota region). It usually weighs between 5 and 10 pounds. Shape range: oval, pear, teardrop, oblong, roundish. Color range: orange, orange & green, dull orange, cream, buff, pinkish. Its skin is rough with moderate ribbing. It may have a limited amount of warts. It has creamy flesh, perfect for making pies. Available in the Winter.

Learn more about different pumpkin types: