Libby's canned pumpkin uses only which Cucurbita species for its purée?

Libby’s canned pumpkin purée uses the species *Cucurbita moschata*.

The familiar orange contents are not necessarily the same kind of pumpkin grown for carving. Libby’s uses a proprietary Dickinson pumpkin, a *C. moschata* cultivar selected for dense flesh, rich color, and a smooth texture that works well in pies and other recipes.

That botanical detail causes a common mix-up: “pumpkin” is a culinary and commercial label, while *Cucurbita* is the scientific genus containing pumpkins and several kinds of winter squash. Other species, including *C. pepo* and *C. maxima*, also include varieties commonly called pumpkins.

Libby’s pumpkin is grown primarily for processing rather than decoration. The company’s Illinois operation emphasizes harvesting and canning the crop quickly, helping preserve its characteristic flavor and texture. “100% pure pumpkin” means the can contains pumpkin purée, not a pre-spiced pie filling; bakers add sugar and spices themselves.