Description/Taste
Mini Tiger pumpkins are small in size, averaging 7-12 centimeters in diameter, and are round, squat, and slightly flattened in shape. The smooth rind has pronounced ribbing and a shallow, bumpy texture, and it can range in color from mottled green, white, to orange with vertical stripes. The flesh is thick, dense, and compact encasing a small central cavity with stringy pulp and many flat, cream-colored seeds. When cooked, Mini Tiger pumpkins are tender and smooth with a sweet and slightly nutty taste.
Seasons/Availability
Mini Tiger pumpkins are available in the fall through early winter.
Current Facts
Mini Tiger Stripe pumpkins, botanically classified as Cucurbita pepo, are a hybrid variety that is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with squash and gourds. Mini Tiger pumpkins grow on compact vines and are a favorite of home gardeners because of the fruits small size and mottled colors. Mini Tiger pumpkins are used as an ornamental for fall decorations and are also commonly cooked, stuffed, and incorporated into a variety of culinary applications.
Nutritional Value
Mini Tiger pumpkins contain some beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, iron, and potassium.
Applications
Mini Tiger pumpkins are best suited for cooked applications such as baking, steaming, or roasting. The tops can be sliced off, the pulp and seeds removed, and can be roasted by itself or stuffed and baked. Mini Tiger pumpkins make a petite serving bowl for savory dishes such as curries, soups, chili, salads, spaghetti, meatloaf, and corn pudding. In addition to savory dishes, the pumpkins can also act as a ramekin for custards, ice cream, apple cobbler, pumpkin pie, crème brulee, and pudding. Mini Tiger pumpkins pair well with meats such as Italian sausage, poultry, and turkey, black beans, quinoa, couscous, sh*take mushrooms, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, green apples, garlic, green onion, currants, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, parsley, sage, oregano, thyme, mozzarella, and Gruyere. They will keep for a couple of months when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Mini Tiger pumpkins are predominately used in the United States for displays on tables and front porches to celebrate the fall season. They are most popular during the Halloween season for their petite size and unusual colors and can be arranged with other squashes and gourds on tables lasting for several months. The miniature pumpkins can also be consumed or used as a serving bowl for sweet and savory preparations, made into a candle holder, name placard, or painted as a decorative piece.
Geography/History
Pumpkins are native to Central America and were spread across the globe via explorers and trade routes. The exact origins of the Mini Tiger pumpkin are unknown, but today they can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Mini Tiger Pumpkins. One 
is easiest, three is harder.
| Chef Darin | | Autumn Meatloaf in Miniature Pumpkins |
| Guava Rose | | Mini Tiger Pumpkins Filled with Pearl Couscous and Sauteed Mushrooms |
| Caught Somewhere in Thyme | | Bison Stuffed Tiger Pumpkin |
