Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Some Pumpkin Facts For You...!

With Halloween just around the corner, I figured this would be a good time to post about the almighty pumpkin.

While the pumpkin isn't really a part of just Halloween, it certainly is used a lot during this celebration. Can't imagine a Halloween without seeing tons of pumpkins carved into jack-o-lanterns! Not to mention all the pumpkin pies around the holidays.

PUMPKIN FACTS

Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini. These plants are native to Central America and Mexico, but now grow on six continents.

The largest pumpkin pie ever baked was in 2005 and weighed 2,020 pounds.

Pumpkins have been grown in North America for five thousand years. They are indigenous to the western hemisphere.

In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding “gros melons.” The name was translated into English as “pompions,” which has since evolved into the modern “pumpkin.”

Pumpkins are low in calories, fat, and sodium and high in fiber. They are good sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, potassium, protein, and iron.

The heaviest pumpkin weighed 1,810 lb 8 oz and was presented by Chris Stevens at the Stillwater Harvest Fest in Stillwater, Minnesota, in October 2010.

Pumpkin seeds should be planted between the last week of May and the middle of June. They take between 90 and 120 days to grow and are picked in October when they are bright orange in color. Their seeds can be saved to grow new pumpkins the next year.

Ya know, the first jack-o-lanterns were carved out of turnips and potatoes. Hard to imagine one of those sitting on your porch awaiting the trick or treating, isn't it?

Coffee out on the patio where it's nice and cool this morning!

7 comments:

linda m said...

Some very interesting facts about pumpkins. I love squashes of any kind but hubby can't stand them. When my son was little I would take the leftover pumpkins and turn them into pie. So how about I bring some fresh pumpkin pie for us to share while sitting on your patio.

Hermit's Baby Sis said...

Bubba -
I understand that there are lots of jack-o-lantern pumpkins this year, but fewer than usual eating pumpkins. That means when the current stock of last year's crop of pumpkin pie filling and puree is gone, there may not be any more coming.
If you see pumpkin in your grocery store now, better get it while you can..
Just sayin', and thanks for the facts.
Big hugs -

Chickenmom said...

Pumpkin pie - Mmmmmmm!!!!! Thank you, Linda!!!

JO said...

Now you mentioned potatoes as being carved? I have never heard that before. Hope your sis is wrong about not finding pumpkin anymore what would the holiday's be without pumpkin cheese cake or just plain ole' pumpkin pie?
the monrings are great for sitting out these day, Refill please

HermitJim said...

Hey Linda...
Pumpkin pie is always good for me. Goes great with coffee!
Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Sis...
I had heard that there was fewer pumpkins this year than before. Canned pumpkin shortages are predicted locally.
Thanks for coming by today!


Hey Phyllis...
Does sound pretty good this morning, doesn't it?
Thanks for the visit today!


Hey Jo...
It's probably just a seasonal shortage, I'm sure. Could be just a marketing tactic.
Thanks for dropping in today!

Rob said...

I like how it got the name!

Dizzy-Dick said...

Pumpkin pie is not anywhere near the top of my list of favorite pies. Rhubarb, cherry, blueberry, peach, and apple pies are sure on my list and in that order.