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Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons, and zucchini. Most people don’t realize they are fruits, not vegetables. These plants are native to Central America and Mexico, but now grow on six continents. Their history in North America goes back 5,000 years.  

Pumpkins are indigenous to the Western Hemisphere. As Frenchman Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America in the 1500s, he reported finding what the French called “gros melons.” The name was translated into English as “pompions,” which has since evolved into the modern “pumpkin.”

We use pumpkins for both food and recreation — especially during Halloween and Thanksgiving.. Pumpkin pie has become a traditional part of Thanksgiving in both the U.S. and Canada. We also carve jack-o’-lanterns around Halloween, although the pumpkins we eat and those we carve are generally from two different types of winter squash. (Note: A gourd is usually considered inedible squash.) Remember — gourds get funny faces. Squash winds up on the dinner table.

Farmers generally plant pumpkins in early July. The fruit (yes, fruit) requires soil that holds water well. Crops suffer if there’s either a lack of water or unusually chilly temperatures. Still, pumpkins are rather durable and can regrow damaged vines if necessary. Even pumpkin seeds are a popular snack. Grocery stores often sell them both hulled and semi-hulled. They’re a good source of protein, magnesium, copper, and zinc.

The Halloween connection dates back to the 1800s.  The term “Jack-o’-Lantern” first appeared in 1837, while the idea of a carved pumpkin, specifically, originated in 1866.

: https://nationaltoday.com/national-pumpkin-day/

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