Why do most recipes call for cans of puréed pumpkin, rather than the breaking down of the fruit fresh off the vine? We explore further.

San Luis Obispo County has 15 sanctioned pumpkin patches, producing over 25 varieties among them. Entire farms are dedicated to growing this cultivar of the squash plant, all for a short season of excitement. And exciting it is — the hunt for flawless pumpkins, and then the proud display of them, is a fond pastime of many families.

But what about using these rich-in-beta-carotene squash in their most natural role, as food? Why do most recipes call for cans of puréed pumpkin, rather than the breaking down of the fruit fresh off the vine?

One reason is because the taste and color that we’ve grown accustomed to as traditionally “pumpkin” is produced by varieties of winter squash. The Delicata squash, also known as the sweet potato squash, is most commonly baked but can be microwaved, sautéed or steamed, a nice accompaniment to a roast, or cubed and tossed into a hearty, fall-inspired salad. The seeds can also be eaten after they are toasted.

The Blue Hubbard squash has a smooth texture with a sweet and nutty-tasting flesh that is the model for creamy soups and stews — but only after the thick, tough skin is cut through. It can be baked, roasted or steamed and puréed once cooked.

When baking pies, Banana squash andButternut squashare widely used. In fact, most canned pumpkin contains these, as the texture is less stringy and richer in color and sweetness than pumpkin. The Long Island Cheese squashis tender and creamy with a mild and earthy flavor, in line with the taste most associated with pumpkin. All three varieties are easily puréed when cooked and are ideal for pie filling. The Delicata, Blue Hubbard and Long Island Cheese squash can all be found at Chesebrough Farm at 790 Moss Lane in Templeton (opening on October 1). Blue Hubbard can also be found at Templeton Valley Farms at 880 Climbing Tree Lane in Templeton.

For the purists who want to keep the “pumpkin” in pumpkin pie, River “K” Pumpkin Patch plants the Mystic Plus pumpkin, a variety that offers rich, sweet flesh that is delightful when baked in pies. Due to their smooth skin, small size and bright orange color, these pumpkins can do double duty — the fruit are beautiful as ornamentals. River “K” Pumpkin Patch is located at 5670 N. River Road in Paso Robles (opening also on October 1, to a milestone – the celebration of the farm’s 50th anniversary!).