Squash vs. Pumpkin: Differences, Tips & Recipes – Neary

Q: Quelles sont les différences visuelles entre courge et potiron ?

Le potiron est rond, aplati, peau orange vif et pédoncule tendre. Les autres courges (butternut, spaghetti, etc.) ont des formes allongées, en poire ou côtelées, et des couleurs variées.

Q: Peut-on remplacer le potiron par une autre courge en cuisine ?

Oui, butternut ou potimarron remplacent bien le potiron dans les soupes et gratins. Attention à la teneur en eau et à la texture, qui varient selon la courge.

Q: La peau du potiron est-elle comestible ?

On épluche le potiron car sa peau reste dure. Le potimarron ou la butternut peuvent se cuisiner avec la peau, si bio et jeune.

Q: Comment bien conserver courges et potirons ?

Stocke-les au sec, au frais, à l'abri de la lumière. Coupées, filme-les au frigo. Tu peux aussi congeler la chair blanchie en cubes.

Q: Quelles variétés choisir pour la soupe ou le gratin ?

Potiron, potimarron et butternut sont parfaits pour soupes et gratins. Potimarron pour le fondant, butternut pour la douceur, potiron pour la couleur et la saveur sucrée.

Oct 07, 20250 comments

What is the difference between squash and pumpkin?

Squash vs. Pumpkin: Differences, Tips & Recipes – Neary

By Charles Piedboeuf • Cuisine & local produce 🥗

Quick answer: Squash refers to the large family of cucurbits (butternut, pumpkin, spaghetti, etc.), while pumpkin is a specific variety, round, with thick, orange skin, and a mild, sweet taste. Pumpkin can be cooked in creamy soups as well as gratins, while other squashes offer varied textures and flavors for all your fall cravings 🧡🥣. Find all the differences below, tips for recognizing them, and the best recipes!

🍠 Discover butternut squash 🍂 Pumpkin selection

How to tell a squash from a pumpkin?

👉 Squash is a generic term for the entire cucurbit family: butternut squash, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, pattypan squash… and, of course, the pumpkin itself! The pumpkin is a very specific variety, often round, flattened and with bright orange skin, while the flesh is thick, tender and very sweet 🍬.

Squash : a large family, with a wide variety of shapes, colors, and flavors (ranging from butternut squash to spaghetti squash and pumpkin 🔥).
Pumpkin : variety of squash, round, skin often hollowed and tender stalk, orange flesh, sweet, perfect in purée or velouté.

Tip 🥄: To recognize a pumpkin, look at the stalk (tail): soft and spongy for the pumpkin, dry and angular for the pumpkin. Find all the subtleties on this gourmet resource !

Tips for cooking squash and pumpkins 🥄

Butternut : soft flesh, no need to peel if organic, perfect roasted in the oven ( see butternut ).
Pumpkin : edible skin, melting texture, ideal in soup or risotto ( Lorraine pumpkin ).
Pumpkin : sweet flavor, releases a lot of water when cooked, best served in puree or creamy soup 🥣.
Spaghetti squash : stringy flesh like “pasta” after cooking, amazing in a gratin or veggie bolognese.

Tip: always cook squash with a little spice (curry, nutmeg, smoked paprika, etc.) to bring out their aromas ✨.

Nutritional Benefits of Squash and Pumpkins 💪

Rich in fiber and antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamins C and E), to support your immunity come fall 🍁.
Low in calories, satisfying, ideal for gourmet but light dishes.
Pumpkin is excellent for eyesight (beta-carotene), skin and the digestive system.
Butternut squash and pumpkin are also loved by babies and children for their natural sweetness.

🥗 Looking for more healthy ideas? Check out our air fryer comparison for fat-free cooking!

FAQ – Everything you need to know about the pumpkin and squash difference!

What are the visual differences between squash and pumpkin?

The pumpkin is round, flattened, with bright orange skin, sometimes ribbed, and a tender stalk. Other squashes (butternut, spaghetti, etc.) come in a variety of shapes (elongated, pear-shaped, ribbed) and colors ranging from pale green to golden yellow.

Can pumpkin be replaced with another squash in cooking?

Yes, most recipes allow for substitutions. Pumpkin or butternut squash can replace pumpkin in soups, gratins, or savory pies. Be careful, some squashes release more water or have firmer flesh: adjust the cooking and seasoning 👨‍🍳.

Is pumpkin skin edible?

Pumpkins are generally peeled because their skin remains tough after cooking. Unlike squash, which is cooked whole. For butternut squash, peeling is recommended unless it's organic and young.

How to properly store squash and pumpkins?

Store them in a dry, cool, and dark place, on a shelf or hanging. Once cut, wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Tip: You can also freeze the blanched cubed flesh.

Which varieties should you choose for soup or gratin?

Pumpkin, squash, and butternut squash are great for velvety soups. For a gratin, choose butternut squash (mild taste, firm texture) or squash (melting, chestnut flavor).