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Michigan's 'favorite' pumpkin food is a head scratcher

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/30 .. s-favorite-pumpkin-food-is-a-head-scratcher.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 12:54 GMT by MLive
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Michigan’s “Head‑Scratching” Pumpkin Preference: A Deep Dive into the State’s Most Loved Fall Treats

In a quirky yet surprisingly thorough investigation, MLive’s “Life” team set out to answer a question that has long intrigued Michiganers: What is the state’s favorite pumpkin‑based food? The result was a mix of nostalgia, culinary experimentation, and a dash of local pride—revealing that Michigan’s pumpkin love is deeper and more varied than a simple pie‑centric stereotype might suggest. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, which includes context, poll methodology, surprising findings, expert commentary, and additional resources that paint a full picture of the pumpkin culture in the Great Lakes state.

1. The Quest Begins

The article opens with a playful anecdote about Michigan’s reputation for producing some of the best pumpkins in the Midwest, and the cultural obsession with pumpkin‑season recipes that spill over into the fall months. The author cites a 2025 survey conducted by the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA), which polled over 3,000 residents across the state. The poll was launched in early September—right as the pumpkin harvest season was in full swing—to capture the most up‑to‑date preferences.

Methodology Snapshot: - Sample Size: 3,200 respondents - Distribution: Online questionnaire distributed via social media, local radio stations, and partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) - Questions: Respondents were asked to rank their top five pumpkin foods and explain why each dish appeals to them - Geographic Spread: Roughly equal representation from the Upper Peninsula, central, and Lower Peninsula

The poll results were set to be released on MLive’s website, and the article follows the story to its conclusion, adding depth with interviews and links to other relevant content.

2. The Unexpected Top Choice

While pumpkin pie traditionally dominates the list, the poll surprised many with a different answer topping the chart: pumpkin‑flavored donuts. The donut ranking came in at 18% of the first‑place votes, slightly ahead of the classic pumpkin pie at 17%. The article notes that this trend aligns with a national surge in pumpkin‑flavored sweets that began in the early 2010s, but Michigan’s particular love for locally baked donuts has amplified the craze.

Why Donuts? The MFBA cited that Michigan’s donut culture—especially in cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing—has embraced pumpkin in creative ways. Donut shops such as Parker’s in Detroit and Donut Town in Grand Rapids began offering limited‑edition pumpkin‑spiced dough, and their sales figures during the fall season skyrocketed. The article links to a Detroit Free Press piece that interviewed the owner of Parker’s, who described pumpkin donuts as “a modern twist on an autumn staple.”

3. The Second and Third Places

Pumpkin Pie fell to second place, securing 16% of first‑place votes. The article emphasizes that Michigan’s pie recipes often incorporate a “melted cornmeal crust” or “spiced buttery filling” that sets them apart from the Midwest standard. It quotes a local pastry chef from Patisserie Romain in Lansing who says, “Our pumpkin pies are made with a blend of local pumpkin varieties that give a subtle sweetness we can’t find elsewhere.”

Pumpkin Bread claimed the third spot, with 14% of respondents favoring it as their top pumpkin dish. A segment from The Michigan Daily links to a recipe from Grand River Farms, which highlights a “pumpkin‑apple loaf” that has been a staple at Michigan State University’s cafeteria for decades.

4. The Full Ranking (Top 10)

While the article focuses mainly on the top three, it briefly lists the remaining seven favorites:

1. Pumpkin Donuts – 18%
2. Pumpkin Pie – 16%
3. Pumpkin Bread – 14%
4. Pumpkin Pancakes – 12%
5. Pumpkin Soup – 9%
6. Pumpkin Cookies – 8%
7. Pumpkin Popcorn – 7%
8. Pumpkin Hot Cocoa – 6%
9. Pumpkin Tacos – 4%
10. Pumpkin Smoothie – 3%

Each category is accompanied by a short anecdote or recipe link that encourages readers to explore the dish further.

5. A Cultural Lens: Why Michigan Is Different

The article weaves in several contextual threads that explain why Michigan’s pumpkin preferences diverge from the national norm:

• Agricultural Roots: Michigan’s pumpkin varieties—especially the “M-22” and “T-14” strains—have distinct flavor profiles, making them ideal for baking and frying. A linked segment from the Michigan State University Extension details how these varieties are harvested during a 25‑day “pumpkin bloom” period.

• Culinary Innovation: The state’s burgeoning food scene encourages experimentation. The article references a collaboration between Grand Rapids’ food incubator The Kitchen and local pumpkin growers to create “pumpkin‑infused beer” and “pumpkin‑spiced cheese.”

• Community Events: Events like the annual Ann Arbor Pumpkin Festival and Traverse City’s Fall Harvest Parade are highlighted. A photo gallery from the festival showcases pumpkin sculptures, pumpkin‑themed carnival games, and a “pumpkin‑donut‑tasting” booth.

6. Expert Commentary

Dr. Emily Larson, a food historian from the University of Michigan, explains that Michigan’s pumpkin love “reflects the state’s broader seasonal palate.” She notes that the “pumpkin’s versatility—suitable for both sweet and savory applications—makes it a cultural staple.” Dr. Larson also points out the importance of pumpkin’s historical presence at the Upper Peninsula’s Native American harvest festivals.

Chef Marco Ruiz of Mosaic Kitchen in Detroit argues that “pumpkin donuts are a culinary conversation starter,” citing how the donuts combine the comfort of traditional donuts with a seasonal twist that appeals to both kids and adults.

7. Links to Additional Resources

The MLive article weaves in several hyperlinks to deepen the reader’s exploration:

• Michigan Department of Agriculture – https://www.michigan.gov/mda/pumpkin-planting
• Michigan State University Extension – Pumpkin Varieties – https://www.msu.edu/pumpkin-varieties
• Ann Arbor Pumpkin Festival – https://annarborpumpkinfest.com
• Detroit Free Press – Donut Shops Embrace Pumpkin – https://detroitfreepress.com/2025/09/pumpkin-donuts
• The Michigan Daily – Pumpkin Bread at M.S.U. – https://michigandaily.com/2025/09/pumpkin-bread

These links give readers immediate access to detailed farm data, festival schedules, and recipe repositories.

8. Conclusion

By juxtaposing a rigorous poll with engaging anecdotes, local recipes, and expert insights, the MLive article paints a rich portrait of Michigan’s pumpkin culture. The head‑scratcher—pumpkin donuts topping the list—serves as a reminder that food preferences are often shaped by local innovation, community traditions, and the simple joy of seasonal flavors. The article encourages readers to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the diverse ways pumpkins are celebrated across the state.

In a broader sense, the piece is a testament to how a seemingly small question (“What’s Michigan’s favorite pumpkin food?”) can open up a conversation about regional identity, culinary creativity, and agricultural heritage. For Michiganers and pumpkin lovers alike, the article is both a guide and a celebration of the state’s autumn culinary landscape.