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The Costco Essential I Buy Once a Year Every October (for Just $6!)

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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published Oct 1, 2024
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Costco members had an early introduction to fall, with Halloween decor and cute costumes on display for weeks before the official change of seasons. Now that mornings finally have that crisp feeling, and pumpkin spice lattes have returned to my routine, I’m ready to dive into all things autumn. 

Costco has been my first stop at the start of a new season for over a decade, and this year is no exception. It’s where I stock up on Halloween candy for the parade of ghosts and ghouls, the bakery’s beloved apple pie for potluck sharing, and spices to supplement my favorite season for baking. One thing that I buy every October at Costco are pumpkins, where heirloom varieties are just $5.99 each and jumbo pumpkins are just $2 more. Here’s why you might want to pick some up on your next warehouse trip.

Credit: Patty Catalano

What’s So Great About Costco Heirloom Pumpkins?

Heirloom pumpkins differ from the standard jack-o’-lantern-style in color, shape, and size. Whatever your fall decor style, there’s sure to be an heirloom pumpkin for you, like creamy white pumpkins, the peach-hued porcelain doll variety, and (my favorite) the Jarrahdale. These varieties are not always found at big-box stores or even roadside stands, and if they are available they can be expensive. At Costco, you may have to dig through the big cardboard bin to find the pumpkin of your dreams, but at just $5.99 per pumpkin, it is well worth the effort. 

Credit: Patty Catalano

What’s the Best Way to Use Costco Heirloom Pumpkins?

While Costco’s jumbo orange pumpkins are perfect for carving into jack-o’-lanterns, I also love adding variety to my fall decor with heirloom pumpkins. If attacking a hard squash with a miniature saw isn’t your idea of kid-friendly fun, there are tons of ways to decorate pumpkins without carving. The shapes and colors of heirloom pumpkins are varied, so all you need are googly eyes, stickers, and a little paint to dress them up. 

The squat shape of heirloom pumpkins makes them ideal for tablescapes, as they won’t impede eyesight or conversation. And with spooky soirées coming up this month, you can hollow them out and add a bag from a boxed wine to create a festive drink dispenser. You can also stack them on your front porch or add interest by choosing a variety of coordinating shapes, colors, and sizes. Plus, by leaning into their natural fall look, you won’t have to concern yourself with keeping it fresh for the entire month.

Find it in stores: Costco Heirloom Pumpkins, $5.99 per pumpkin; Jumbo Pumpkins $7.99 each

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