It’s Pumpkin Season
October is here.
You know what that means? Cooler air, big sweaters, comfy coats, the changing of the leaves, and pumpkins everywhere.
Besides an amazing unique taste synonymous with the fall, did you know that pumpkins are also loaded with nutrients, can grow to incredible sizes, and love the climate of North Carolina? Pumpkins are in season for just a few months each year (September through October) and local North Carolina farmers are ready for you and the family. Keep reading to discover why you should visit a farm this fall and pick your own pumpkins.
A quintessential symbol of fall, none captures the spirit quite like the pumpkin. These vibrant orange orbs not only adorn our doorsteps and dining tables but also provide a fantastic experience for families and friends at pumpkin patches. If you've ever contemplated visiting a pumpkin patch, here are 11 unique facts about pumpkins that might just inspire you to make that trip.
The Visit NC Farms App (Apple / Android) has a special category for Pumpkins. Click it, and visit a new farm. Remember, many of North Carolina’s farms don’t have official websites. The Visit NC Farms App is the way to find these family gems.
11 things you probably didn't know about pumpkins:
The current world record for the heaviest pumpkin stands at a jaw-dropping 2,702 pounds! Growing giant pumpkins has become a competitive sport among enthusiasts, with annual contests worldwide.
The word “pumpkin” originates from “peopon,” which means “large melon” in Greek. It then evolved to “pompon” in French and “pumpion” in Britain. The Americans later changed it to “pumpkin,” the name we still use today.
Every year, the US produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin. 80 percent of this crop (around 800 million pumpkins) are ripe for picking in one single month of the year — October.
Over 45 different varieties of pumpkin exist. They range in color including orange, red, yellow and green, and they boast names like Hooligan, Cotton Candy, and Orange Smoothie.
Technically a fruit, the pumpkin is a winter squash in the family Cucurbitaceae which includes cucumbers and melons.
Every single part of a pumpkin is edible: the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and stems.
Interestingly, pumpkins are 92 percent water.
Naturally low in energy density, pumpkins are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin A and beta-carotene, the powerful antioxidant that gives orange vegetables and fruits their color.
Scientists believe that pumpkins originated in North America about 9000 years ago. The oldest pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back to somewhere between 7000-5550 B.C..
Pumpkins (along with other forms of squash) were a historically important food staple among Native Americans. They would grow the squash along river banks next to maize and beans, a planting technique that was called the “Three Sisters Method,” which allowed the three crops to sustain each other. Corn served as the trellis upon which the beans could climb; beans were nourished by the sunlight and kept the corn stalks stable on windy days, while also nourishing their soil; and pumpkins sheltered the corn’s shallow roots and prevented weeds from taking hold.
The practice of carving Jack-O’-Lanterns was brought to America by Irish immigrants. In their homeland, the Irish used to carve Jack-O’-Lanterns out of potatoes or turnips, but upon arrival in America, they began to use pumpkins instead because they were far easier to carve. The tradition of the “Jack-O’-Lantern” stems from an Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack who was a somewhat unpleasant character famous for playing tricks on people.
Picking your own pumpkin at a pumpkin patch is an experience like no other. It's a cherished autumn tradition that brings family and friends together, creating lasting memories. The joy of wandering through rows of pumpkins, selecting the perfect one, and taking it home to carve, cook, or decorate is an experience that should be savored every fall.
Now that you're armed with these eleven unique facts about pumpkins, it's time to embrace the season and visit a pumpkin patch. Whether you're seeking the perfect jack-o'-lantern candidate or simply looking for a wholesome family outing, a pumpkin patch adventure awaits. So, gather your loved ones, don your coziest sweater, and head to a nearby farm to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of pumpkins. Fall's favorite fruit is ready to be your next autumn adventure!
