Sunday, October 26th, is National Pumpkin Day! Have you bought any pumpkins yet?
Not only do pumpkins make great fall and Halloween decorations, they also contribute to a variety of tasty recipes! A pumpkin is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense winter squash rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A pumpkin is actually a fruit since it contains seeds; although nutritionally it’s more like a vegetable than a fruit. Beyond its delicious taste, pumpkin is nutritious and linked to many health benefits.
Pumpkin Fun Facts
In celebration of National Pumpkin Day, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about pumpkins that you may not know as shared by farmersalmanac.com and history.com.
Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelon and zucchini.
The name “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word “pepon,” which means large melon. This word traveled through other languages, becoming “pompon” in French and “pumpion” in English. American colonists changed “pumpion” to “pumpkin” to create the name used today.
For colonists, pumpkins were a vital food source, helping them survive their first harsh winters. They were used in a variety of ways including stews, soups, and early forms of pumpkin pie. Due to their importance in the harvest and for survival, pumpkins became linked with autumn harvest celebrations, which later became associated with Thanksgiving.
The earliest pumpkin pie made in America was different than the pumpkin pie we enjoy today. Pilgrims and early settlers made pumpkin pie by hollowing out a pumpkin, filling the shell with milk, honey, and spices and baking it.
The tradition of carving Jack-o’-lanterns was brought to America by Irish immigrants, who originally carved turnips and potatoes. They found the native pumpkin to be much larger and easier to carve.
The ‘Pumpkin Capital of the World’ is Morton, Illinois, home to the Libby’s pumpkin processing plant, which is the largest in the world. Illinois is the leading pumpkin producer in the United States.
Carving vs. Cooking
So, how do you choose a pumpkin for carving vs. one for cooking? Here’s some advice on what to look for from richfieldfarms.com.
For carving…
– Look for medium to large pumpkins with smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to carve designs into.
– Choose pumpkins with thinner walls so they’re easier to cut and scoop.
– A strong stem makes it easier to carry and adds character to your jack-o’-lantern.
– Classic field pumpkins like Howden or Connecticut Field are popular carving choices.
For cooking…
– Look for smaller pumpkins (4–8 pounds) that feel heavy for their size.
– Thicker flesh means more pumpkin to cook with and less stringy texture.
– Sweeter, smoother flesh makes for perfect pies, soups, breads, and roasted dishes.
– Sugar Pie, Baby Pam, Cinderella, and Fairytale pumpkins are all excellent for cooking.
For Panel Members
Fall is a season of many flavors – pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, maple, and more! Be sure to report all of your seasonal purchases. If you purchase a pumpkin and it doesn’t have a UPC barcode sticker on it, you can still report it! Use the Non-Barcoded Items list in the NCPMobile app and select the Fruit category, then choose Other Fruit. On the Item Details screen, enter the total amount you paid for the pumpkin and if you received any type of promotion. If you use NCP’s handheld scanner, please refer to the Barcode Reference Booklet.
Just for laughs…Who helps pumpkins safely cross the street? The crossing gourd!
Regards,
Taylor
More from NCP:
What’s in Season?
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice About Fall
Leaping into Fall
Creep it Real: Halloween Decorating Ideas
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