Citrouille vs Potiron

Question

Citrouille and Potiron both means pumkin in english. Is there any difference in its usage? One is more formal?

Accepted 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!

Answer

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.