With all of the varieties of pumpkins available, it may seem like guesswork to determine what kind of pumpkin to use for making your own pumpkin puree. However, most pumpkins at the farmers’ markets are well-marked. Don’t hesitate to ask the farmers which pumpkins are for pies — they are glad to help you select the right pumpkins.
Which kind of pumpkin is best for baking?
- Smaller is better – large field pumpkins, which are specially bred for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, are generally too tough and stringy for baking.
- Choose “pie” or “sugar” pumpkins or other flavorful varieties, such as Sugar Baby. Small and sweet, with dark orange-colored flesh, they’re perfect for pies, muffins, bread, and soup.
- A medium-sized pie pumpkin (about 4 pounds) should yield around 1 – 2 cups of mashed pumpkin. You can use this puree for all your recipes calling for canned pumpkin.
Homemade Pumpkin Purée
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Rinse the pumpkin under cool water to remove any dirt or particles.
Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section, stringy pulp, and seeds. (Save the seeds to toast for a healthy snack, if desired.)
In a shallow baking pan lightly coated or sprayed with vegetable oil, place the two halves face down, add 1/4 cup water to the pan, and cover with foil.
Bake pumpkin at 375°F for approximately 1- 1 1/2 hours, or until flesh is tender when pierced.
After the baked pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and mash it by hand or purée it by pressing the flesh through a food mill or using a food processor.
Place purée in a fine-meshed strainer lined with a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth and set over a deep bowl. Stir occasionally and drain until the puree is as thick as canned pumpkin, about two hours.
Immediately store in a sealed container and refrigerate. Use within three days.
To Freeze:
Measure 1 1/2 cups of drained purée (which is equivalent to 15 ounces of canned pumpkin) and place in rigid containers, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Label, date, and freeze for up to one year.
RECIPE: Pumpkin Pie from scratch!
