Pumpkins

Did you know?

• 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.
• 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 original jack-o’-lanterns were made with turnips and potatoes by the Irish.
• Over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced each year in the United States.
• The top pumpkin-producing states are Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
• The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 3,699 pounds.
• Surprisingly, pumpkin pie isn’t America’s favorite.
• According to a survey by the American Pie Council, it’s apple that takes the cake (um, pie?) — 19% of Americans say it’s their pie of choice. Pumpkin is in second place with a respectable 13%.
• Each pumpkin has about 500 seeds.
• Scientifically speaking, pumpkins are a fruit (they contain seeds) but when it comes to cooking, they are often referred to as vegetables.
• Pumpkin plants feature both male and female flowers, with bees typically being involved in pollination (the transfer of pollen).
• Pumpkins were once used to get rid of freckles and treat snakebites.
• Pahl Farms grows over 75 acres of Pumpkins.
• Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
• Pumpkins range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds. The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.