What Are Cinderella Pumpkins: Uses And Benefits
Cinderella pumpkins, also known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes, are a unique variety of winter squash with a distinct, ribbed shape and bright orange-red rind. They are called Cinderella pumpkins due to their striking resemblance to the pumpkin carriage in the classic Cinderella fairy tale. While they’re certainly eye-catching, these pumpkins offer more than just an enchanting appearance.
The mild and sweet flavor of Cinderella pumpkins, combined with their moist and creamy texture, make them an excellent choice for both cooking and decorating purposes. You can roast, bake, or steam these pumpkins to incorporate them into a variety of delectable and savory dishes, such as soups, sauces, purees, or curries. Why not let your creativity shine by using these gorgeous squashes for some stunning fall decorations?

Cinderella Pumpkin Basics
Cinderella pumpkins, also known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes, are winter squashes in the Cucurbitaceae family. Their unique shape and deep orange hue resemble the iconic pumpkin from the Cinderella fairy tale, hence their name. Originating in France, these pumpkins are distinguished by their broad, flattened appearance, echoing the enchanted carriage in various adaptations of the Cinderella narrative.
These heirloom pumpkins are known for their beauty and classic ribbed shape. They’re large, typically weighing between 20-30 pounds and measuring 15-18 inches in diameter. The flat shape and deep ribs give Cinderella pumpkins a charming, old-world appeal, making them an attractive addition to your autumn décor.
But along with their visual appeal, Cinderella pumpkins are prized for their rich and sweet flavor. They have a moist texture that lends itself well to a variety of dishes, such as soups, sauces, purees, and curries. You can roast, bake, or steam these pumpkins, allowing for great versatility in the kitchen.
Like most pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins are packed with nutritional benefits, including beta-carotene and vitamin C. These nutrients can help support the immune system and promote healthy eyesight.
Overall, Cinderella pumpkins are an enchanting cultivar that stands out for both its beauty and culinary versatility.
Culinary Uses of Cinderella Pumpkins
Cinderella pumpkins have a sweet flavor and creamy texture, making them versatile for a variety of dishes. The edible pumpkin flesh can be cooked in numerous ways, from roasting and baking to pureeing for soups, casseroles, and more.
Sweet and Savory
Cinderella pumpkins can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory recipes. Their tender flesh is ideal for pureeing and making rich soup stock, pumpkin butter, and even sauces for poultry or curries.
You can also cut the pumpkin into wedges and roast them with a touch of olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings like garlic or cinnamon. Roasted pumpkin wedges make a great side dish or can be added to stews for extra flavor and texture.
Baking
Cinderella pumpkins can be used in various baked goods, but their slightly watery nature means they may not always be the best choice for pies. Properly drained, a Cinderella pumpkin can still make a tasty pumpkin pie, but draining is essential.
This ornamental pumpkin and its edible flesh are versatile. In addition to pies, the sweet and smooth texture of pumpkin puree is perfect for creating cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread, adding a nutritious and seasonal twist to your favorite recipes.
Raw
Cinderella pumpkins can also be enjoyed raw in salads or as a snack. You can use the raw pumpkin as a garnish for pasta or braised meat dishes, adding a burst of natural sweetness and color to your meal.
When selecting a Cinderella pumpkin for cooking, choose one with firm skin and no visible bruising or soft spots. Once you buy your pumpkin, store it in a very cool and dry place with good air circulation to ensure a longer shelf life. You’ll be surprised at the ways you find to use it.
Pumpkin Recipe Inspiration
Savory | Sweet |
---|---|
Pumpkin Cheese Ball | Pumpkin Snickerdoodles |
Fairytale Pumpkin Soup | Pumpkin Brownies |
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Bacon | Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls |
Traditional French Pumpkin Soup | The Best Pumpkin Bars Recipe |
Cinderella’s Royal Roast | Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread |
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds | No Bake Pumpkin Pie |
Storage and Longevity of Cinderella Pumpkins
Properly storing Cinderella pumpkins can help them last longer, giving you more time to use them in various recipes or as decorations. When you pick your Cinderella pumpkins in the fall, make sure they’re fully ripe. A ripe pumpkin will have a hard exterior and bright orange skin, slightly ribbed in appearance.
To store your pumpkins, find a cool, dry area with temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C), if possible. Make sure to keep the pumpkins away from direct sunlight and avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Cinderella pumpkins are known for their long shelf life before processing. But if you want to increase their longevity, you can clean their surfaces with a mild bleach solution. This can help prevent mold and other unwanted elements from growing on the ornamental pumpkin‘s surface.
When storing, you can either place your pumpkins on a sturdy shelf or on a layer of cardboard, straw, or wood pallets. This will ensure proper air circulation and prevent moisture from accumulating under the pumpkin.
It’s important to monitor your stored pumpkins. Check them regularly to ensure no signs of mold, soft spots, or decay are developing. If you notice any issues, it’s best to remove the affected pumpkin to prevent the spread of any problems.
The long shelf life of Cinderella pumpkins also means you can still use the flesh even after you’ve displayed them as seasonal decor in your home.
Health Benefits of Cinderella Pumpkins
Cinderella pumpkins, thanks to their rich nutritional content, provide several health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision and protects eyesight, and potassium, which is vital for maintaining normal blood pressure, proper nerve function, and healthy muscle contraction.
These pumpkins and seeds contain a good amount of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These elements have been linked to boosting the immune system and promoting overall health. Vitamin C, in particular, supports the production of white blood cells, helping your body fight infections and pathogens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cinderella pumpkins suitable for cooking?
Yes, Cinderella pumpkins are suitable for cooking. They have a mild, sweet flavor and a moist texture, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. You can roast, bake, or steam them and use them in soups, sauces, purees, and curries.
Just be careful with them in pies, as their watery nature can prevent proper baking.
What recipes can be made using Cinderella pumpkins?
Cinderella pumpkins are versatile and can be used in many recipes. Some popular choices include pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, pumpkin risotto, and pumpkin curry. The sweet and creamy flavor of these pumpkins also works well in desserts, such as pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars, or pumpkin muffins. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different dishes using Cinderella pumpkins.
Is the skin of a Cinderella pumpkin edible?
While the skin of Cinderella pumpkins isn’t toxic, it is quite tough and fibrous, making it difficult to chew and digest. Most recipes and dishes call for removing the skin before cooking or consuming the pumpkin. However, you can roast the pumpkin with the skin on, as it softens slightly in the cooking process and can be scooped off more easily after roasting.
What are soup pumpkins?
Soup pumpkins are particularly good for cooking. They offer sweeter, denser flesh than pumpkins carved for carving. They’re ideal for soups, pies, and purees, with popular types including Sugar Pie, Kabocha, Hubbard, and Cinderella.
What are cheese pumpkins?
Cheese pumpkins are a type of heirloom squash known for their resemblance to a large wheel of cheese in shape and color. They have a tan to pale orange skin and are flatter and more ribbed than traditional pumpkins.
These specialty pumpkins are prized for their sweet, rich flesh, which makes them excellent for baking, roasting, and especially pumpkin pies. Their flesh is smoother and less fibrous than that of other pumpkin varieties, which contributes to a creamier texture in dishes.
Cinderella Pumpkin Recipe Inspiration
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Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances.
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