It’s that time again on the North Fork — pumpkins are back on the farm stands and ripe in the fields, ready to be picked.
There are hundreds of varieties of pumpkins in North America, many of which are grown by our local farmers. These pumpkins not only vary in color, shape and size, but also taste, texture, and purpose.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the best carving pumpkin in the patch or hitting the stands to make a sweet and creamy pumpkin pie, this guide will help you navigate the different varieties of pumpkins — and gourds — you might find on the North Fork this harvest season.
the carving standard
Originating from 19th century Ireland, the age-old tradition of carving pumpkins brings swarms of families to the North Fork’s U-pick patches every year. Though any pumpkin can be carved, the best carving pumpkin is one that has a flat, sturdy bottom to keep it upright, thin flesh and stringier guts. Jack-o’-Lantern Pumpkins are naturally the leading choice — they’re the traditional, deep-orange-colored pumpkins that remind you of Halloween. Ranging from medium to large sized, these pumpkins have a thin layer of skin, making them an easy feat for small paring knives.
THE PUMPKINS AND GOURDS ON THE NORTH FORK SERVE DIFFERENT PURPOSES. (CREDIT: DAVID BENTHAL)
Because of their popularity, most farmers on the North Fork grow one or more varieties of what could be considered “your average pumpkin.” At Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm, co-owner Jeff Rottkamp says the basketball-sized, classic orange pumpkins are their best sellers. At Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm, the one that’s most populated on the patch is called Kratos — a dark orange, high-yielding pumpkin that’s well-suited for carving.
“Every year they’re upgrading them to try to make them a deeper orange, more ribbed or darker handles,” said Helen’s Flower Farm Owner Donald McKay, who explained that even the classic-looking pumpkin varieties are always changing.
For a jack-o’-lantern look that’s a bit more unorthodox, Mckay recommends carving a face out of a green pumpkin and lighting it at night.
“It’s like the pumpkin’s not there,” he said. “It’s kind of weird to see the light coming out of the darkness.”
beyond the jack-o’-lantern
Those looking to venture beyond the traditional pumpkin for their fall decor can get creative with the different hues, bumps, sizes and patterns pumpkins can offer. On the smaller side, there are Jack Be Littles — cute and compact mini-pumpkins you can find at almost any North Fork pumpkin farm. Other local miniatures include ghostly white Casperitas and Baby Boos, as well as Hooligans, which are cream-colored pumpkins speckled with light yellow and orange. Like Jack Be Littles, these tiny pumpkins weigh less than a pound and can fit inside the palm of your hand. Lightweight with a small stature, they’re ideal for creating a table centerpiece or a fall wreath.
One of the heftiest pumpkins in the patch is the Big Max, also known as the Big Mac.
“You’ll need multiple people to move one,” said Jeff Rottkamp, who sells them at his farm in Calverton.
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