It’s hard to separate the image of a pumpkin from that quintessential orange color. It is so synonymous with a pumpkin that we hardly see any other colors in advertising and on product packaging.
But just like most other squashes, pumpkins actually come in a wide variety of colors, including white.
Lately, these white pumpkins have been the darlings of fall decorators who want a different vibe for their centerpieces and jack o’lanterns.
But what we need to know is if these white pumpkins also have white guts. So, are white pumpkins white on the inside?
No, most white pumpkins are not white on the inside. A white pumpkin will have a white or off-white rind, but the flesh inside is usually orange or pale yellow.
Depending on the purpose you have in mind for your white pumpkin, this might be a problem or it might not.
If you want to take a white pumpkin and bake a tasty pie or other dish with it, you and your guests might prefer a more traditional color.
But if you want to make a spooky jack-o’-lantern without a hint of orange in it, this might spoil your fun. There’s a lot more to learn about white pumpkins, so keep reading…
Why are White Pumpkins White, and Not Orange?
There’re so many orange pumpkins out there, it’s hard to believe that they can be any other color. But white pumpkins are a lot more than you think!
White pumpkins are white because they lack compounds called carotenoids. Carotenoids are found in most plants, where they serve as antioxidants that protect the plants from stress by fending off environmental damage, particularly ultraviolet radiation.
Plants do need some UV, but too much is harmful, and the carotenoids reflect enough so the plant only gets what is needed, while the rest is bounced away. It’s the absorptive properties that give plants their color!
So when you see an orange pumpkin, or any other plant that’s orange, red, or yellow, you know that those carotenoids are at work, and that influences what color your eye sees.
Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why most pumpkins are orange. And just as easily, if a pumpkin lacks carotenoids almost entirely, it will appear white or off-white.
That being said, even most white pumpkin cultivars still produce some carotenoids, enough that their interior will have at least some color.
This will usually be orange as usual, but for types that have hardly any carotenoids at all, their flesh will usually appear as a pale yellow or ivory “off white” color.
Common Varieties of White Pumpkins
You might not have ever seen a real white pumpkin if you’ve only gone to the grocery store, and so you might be surprised to learn that there are quite literally dozens of varieties out there to choose from, each with their own pros and cons.
Whether you want an impressive pumpkin to make a glorious fall display, or you want to try something new to cook with in the kitchen, there is bound to be a type that will work for you.
Some of the most common and popular are listed below, and I’ve broken these down into two basic groups: those that usually have colored flesh on the inside, and those that have white or near-white flesh, typically.
Colored Flesh
Blanco
A type that is extremely popular with decorators, and they make great jack-o’-lanterns. A small medium variety that’s extremely resistant to UV and also cold temperatures. Easy to carve.
Flat White Boer
A larger medium pumpkin with a flattened wheel shape. Hefty and full of flesh which is a vibrant, attractive bright orange color. Also typically very sweet, this is a perfect one for making desserts.
Valenciano
Perfectly sized medium pumpkins rarely weighing more than 15 pounds. Notable for very smooth and gently curved outer rind that’s easy to carve and engrave. Popular for crafters and also for bakers; this one makes a great pie!
Gooligan
Tiny, miniature white pumpkins. Rarely more than three inches in diameter. Dense and flavorful flesh makes these great in desserts, or even prepared as a savory side dish.
Silver Moon
Unique white pumpkins. They’re a bit small, but have an interesting silver-white exterior. Flesh is a pleasantly contrasting dark orange color.
White Flesh
Cotton Candy
Probably the most well-known white pumpkin variety that also has consistently white flesh inside. This is a smaller medium variety that takes several months to ripen.
Super Moon
Large, round, and heavy, the Super Moon pumpkin is famous for its good hardiness, and also it’s suitability for making soup and smoothies. Flesh is a very pale yellow.
Buffy
A small hybrid variety that is highly versatile. Has white flesh that is still sweet and tasty, great for baking and roasting and also highly popular for decorating.
Are White Pumpkins Edible?
Yes, they are. White pumpkins are as safe to eat as any other pumpkin, but just like pumpkins with more vibrant exterior colors not all varieties make for good eating.
You’ll want to investigate which varieties have the qualities that you desire for the dish you are preparing, and as always, be sure to thoroughly inspect any pumpkin you purchase for consumption to make sure that it is safe and unspoiled.
Are White Pumpkin Seeds Edible?
Yes. White pumpkin seeds are completely safe to eat so long as they’re prepared properly, just like any other pumpkin seed.
Be cautious, because these large seeds can be a significant choking hazard, especially for children and some animals.
Are White Pumpkins Healthier than Orange Pumpkins?
Probably not. It’s hard to say for sure because there hasn’t been much more research done on the precise nutritional content of white pumpkins as compared to the more common orange varieties.
But, based on what we know, you can expect a white pumpkin to have about the same amount of calories, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients as a comparably sized and raised orange pumpkin.
In any case, they are still definitely healthy, and can be delicious when prepared right so there’s no reason why you can’t eat them. Just watch the sugar content if you’re making cookies or pie with them!
Are White Pumpkins Safe for Animals to Eat?
Yes, assuming that the animal can eat pumpkins ordinarily. White pumpkins are safe for chickens, dogs, cats, rodents and other creatures that will eat squashes safely.
As always, think twice before giving your animals the tougher parts of the rind because they can be tough for them to digest. For smaller animals, the large pumpkin seeds might even be a choking hazard…
Tom has built and remodeled homes, generated his own electricity, grown his own food and more, all in quest of remaining as independent of society as possible. Now he shares his experiences and hard-earned lessons with readers around the country.
Find out more about the team here.