There are several varieties of pie pumpkins grown for eating rather than decorative purposes. Pie pumpkins are smaller and denser than decorative pumpkins. Recipes calling for pie pumpkins may use canned or fresh pie pumpkins, but should never have decorated pumpkins used as a substitute. The flesh on large (Jack-O-Lanterns or carving pumpkins) is usually watery and very bland and tasteless. Pie pumpkins are small and dense and usually have a medium or dark orange color