Pumpkin purée is a thick, creamy mixture obtained from pureed, cooked pumpkin, commonly used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes and dessert recipes. Its vibrant orange color and subtle sweet, earthy flavor make it a versatile component in both savory and sweet culinary preparations, such as pies, cakes, soups, and sauces.

Pumpkin purée is often associated with autumn cooking, largely because of its starring role in the beloved pumpkin pie—a staple of Thanksgiving feasts. Despite its frequent pairing with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove in many fall desserts, pumpkin purée is not inherently sweet, making it suitable for many types of recipes.

The preparation process is fairly simple. Pumpkins are cut into pieces, steamed or roasted until soft, then blended into a smooth mixture. For a thicker purée, the mixture is strained to remove excess water.

Pumpkin purée can be purchased ready-made in cans or it can be easily prepared at home. Thanks to its high nutrient content, including vitamins A, C, and E, and fiber, it can be a nutritious addition to a variety of dishes.

Pumpkin Purée is usually found in the baking supplies aisle of a grocery store, often located near other canned fruits or pie fillings. You can also find it in the canned vegetables section. During the fall season, some stores may have a special display for pumpkin-related products. If you are unable to locate it, simply ask a store employee for assistance.