Whether you want to devour a delicious pie or display a creative carving on your front porch, be sure to pick the right pumpkin for the purpose.

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Both traditional decorative pumpkins and squash pumpkins can be used for cooking. Squash pumpkins tend to be sweeter, and buckskin pumpkins are recommended for pie because they keep their bright orange color when cooked.

For carving, choose a pumpkin that feels heavy for its size. This indicates a thick rind, which allows a pumpkin to last longer after it has been carved. Don’t try to reach down through the top to light a candle; instead, cut a small square in the bottom of your carved pumpkin and place it on top of the candle.

Find delicious ways to use your pumpkin with our collection of pumpkin recipes.