Fall decoration themes include natural and agricultural elements in our modern times. There is something innate that makes us want to bring warmth and beauty indoors as the weather turns colder. Warm maple leaves embellish everything; dried corn stalks lean in every corner; and pumpkins come out of the woodwork, sometimes literally. There is pumpkin everything; but we seem to overlook why pumpkins have been such successful decorations: they are store well. This makes them the perfect decoration, but also the perfect food!

What are stackable pumpkins

The pumpkins that we see stacked at grocery stores and roadside stands are made up of flat-fruited varieties that have been cultivated by humans for hundreds or thousands of years. The motif is a “natural” take on the fake stacked pumpkins you can get at any seasonal display at big box stores. They seem to have made a resurgence in the last decade; not because we think they taste good, but because they are especially decorative.

Many of the “stackables” are heirloom varieties, like: ‘Musquee de Provence’, the Cinderella pumpkin; ‘Jarrahdale’, a blue-skinned variety; ‘Rouge Vif D’Etampes’, with its bright orange skin; and ‘Galeux d’Eysines’, the warty conversation piece. These are just a handful. There are dozens of varieties that come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Most of these varieties are excellent for cooking and storing.

Helping your stackable pumpkins last

Start your decoration or pumpkins selection by selecting pumpkins without cracks or damage to the rinds. Any knick or cut is a way bacteria and fungi can get in to start the decomposition process. You can gently wash the surface of a pumpkin with a weak bleach solution to prolong the shelf or decoration life of the pumpkins. Keep the pumpkins out of the rain and reduce the amount of direct sunlight they get.

When shouldn’t I eat my stackable pumpkins?

Pumpkins are great for eating, but there are times when it is not good to eat your pumpkins. Once a pumpkin is carved and has been left out for decoration, it is not safe for eating, even if you do not notice any rot. You can clean and roast the seeds after you’ve cleaned out your pumpkins for carving though! Pumpkins can last a long time on a porch or in an outdoor display, but do not eat fruit that has been sitting in an exposed area for a couple months. If you notice any bruises, sunken places, knicks or cuts, do not eat the pumpkin.

How should I eat my stackable pumpkin?

Stackable pumpkins can be eaten like any other pumpkin: roasted, boiled, pureed, etc. Don’t let their beauty and shape intimidate you. They are still the same lovable, tasty pumpkin we love to eat in pies, soups and cookies.

So, why buy plastic pumpkins when you can get real pumpkins and support your local farmer (and get compost or pie at the end)?

Amanda Bratcher is the Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.