PUMPKIN carving is a Halloween staple - but it is often reserved for the orange variety.

       For those looking for something a little on the spookier side, meet the white pumpkin.

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       White pumpkins are also referred to as grey pumpkins and ghost pumpkins Credit: Getty What’s a white pumpkin?

       A white pumpkin is a special variety of the distinctive orange pumpkin we usually see (although it's technically a variety of the winter squash).

       They can be referred to as grey pumpkins, ghost pumpkins, albino pumpkins and even snowball pumpkins.

       They come in several different varieties, each with they're own distinct name.

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       White pumpkins didn’t really arrive on the scene until the early part of the 21st century.

       That is because traditionally they were viewed as more of an accident in genetics rather than a popular sales item.

       But now the once rare commodity is considered particularly attractive - and it looks especially striking when paired with orange varieties.

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       What is the difference between a white pumpkin and a regular pumpkin?

       White pumpkins have been bred by scientists and pumpkin growers.

       One of the first white pumpkins ever produced was by a University of New Hampshire professor named Brent Loy, who successfully grew a white pumpkin he called Moonshine.

       White pumpkins are grown in exactly the same way as orange pumpkins.

       They must be planted once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed.

       They take a long time to grow, too – usually, around 90 days, although this can vary depending on the size and cultivar of your pumpkin as well as your growing conditions.

       What does a white pumpkin taste like?

       Most white pumpkins will taste more or less the same, but generally, those that are smaller and more compact will have sweeter, more pronounced flavours.

       White pumpkins taste very similar to orange pumpkins, meaning they can be substituted for orange pumpkin in most recipes.

       There are just as many nutritional and culinary benefits from eating white pumpkins as there are from eating orange pumpkins.

       They have a low calorie count, coming in at fewer than 50 calories per cup.

       You can use them in soups and pies, and like orange pumpkin seeds, their seeds can also be eaten - just toss them in a skillet or roast them in the oven.

       As with other kinds of pumpkins, you can also freeze and puree white pumpkin.

       What is a white pumpkin used for?

       As well as using white pumpkins as an obvious Halloween decoration, they're a great decoration all year round.

       Many people use them in gourd and pumpkin displays in their homes and businesses - often used as centrepieces too.

       Because the skin on a white pumpkin is thinner than that of an orange pumpkin, it’s also a great choice for carving.

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