I've got this strange allergy to pumpkins, but what really are they? My allergy flares up with typical jack-o-lantern pumpkins, like those from Walmart, but I can eat summer squash without any issues. I'm thinking about trying to grow some winter squash and I'm confused about the differences. My doctor was no help because they're not a gardening expert, and finding solid info online about this rare allergy is tough. If anyone has experience with similar allergies or can explain what might define a pumpkin in this case, I'd appreciate it! What types of winter squash do you think I could eat without worry?
3 Answers
Just curious, is it a skin or a consumption allergy? I knew someone who got rashes from handling winter squashes, like the jack-o-lanterns. She reacted worst with acorn and butternut squashes due to the sap. This could be a contact dermatitis thing, often called 'squash hands.' It’s tricky not knowing the specifics of your allergy, though—good luck finding out more!
There are three main types of squash that fall under the pumpkin category: Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata, and Cucurbita maxima. Since you can handle summer squash, it's likely you're fine with Cucurbita pepo. The Walmart jack-o-lanterns you mentioned are probably Cucurbita maxima, which may be causing your allergy. Hope this helps you out!
Cucurbita maxima sounds like a spell! They might've used that for the carriage in Cinderella, haha.
What’s the nature of your allergy? If you tried eating a jack-o-lantern from Walmart, remember that not all winter squash is safe. There’s this thing called Toxic Squash Syndrome, which happens if different squash cross-pollinate. So if you ended up eating an ornamental squash, that could explain the reaction. Maybe you’re sensitive to cucurbitacin, which some edible squashes have removed through breeding.
Wow, I had no idea about Toxic Squash Syndrome! I'll keep that in mind, especially since I love carving pumpkins!
I relate! I have a friend who has a skin reaction but eats the cooked insides just fine. Allergies are wild!