Citrouille vs Potiron

Eldra C.B1Kwiziq community member

Citrouille vs Potiron

Citrouille and Potiron both means pumkin in english. 

Is there any difference in its usage? One is more formal?

Asked 4 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Eldra, 

They are just different types of the same variety of Cucurbitaceae ( types of squash).

For me, a 'citrouille' is a large pumpkin ( like the one in the Cinderella fairy tale) and you wouldn't make a soup out of it. 

You would have -

soupe de potiron, or de potimarron

which are different types of squash.

Bonne Continuation!

 

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Not identical technically but confusing as there is also regional variation in English as to what they would be called. Different species of the same genus and family though. Potiron (winter squash) is more commonly used in cooking - «soupe de potiron» but rarely see «soupe de citrouille» - and is smaller and more elongated. Citrouille ('true pumpkin') is larger, rounder, - more like the 'halloween' pumpkin that even those of us who have no interest in Halloween will know! If in the kitchen, guess 'potiron', if in the garden, guess 'citrouille' and have a laugh with the cook or gardener about how you always get it wrong when they gently correct you.

Citrouille vs Potiron

Citrouille and Potiron both means pumkin in english. 

Is there any difference in its usage? One is more formal?

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