Pumpkin Passion

Halloween is just around the corner. Have you picked the perfect pumpkin yet?

Pumpkins galore. Here in the U.S. growers produce over 1.5 billion pumpkins each year. Originally grown in central America, pumpkins are now farmed in 6 countries and there are over 30 varieties of pumpkins. The worlds largest pumpkin weighs more than 1,700 lbs.

What’s inside? Every pumpkin is filled with about 500 seeds. These seeds are a rich source of protein. Pumpkins are actually very healthy. One serving of pumpkin has about .5 grams of fat and a boatload of potassium, vitamin A, and fiber too.

Carve it up! The tradition of carving vegetables on All Hallows Eve has been a common practice in many parts of world. Originally, it started a with rutabagas, turnips, gourds and potatoes. Carving them up and leaving them on the porch with a burning candle inside at night was said to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household. We didn’t transition to the use of pumpkins until the 19th century.

Carving competitions. Over the past decade, pumpkin carving contests have evolved into a highly competitive pastime. In Florida, there is even an underwater pumpkin carving contest.

Pumpkins soar. Aside from carving, many people today find other fun traditions with pumpkins too. Delaware celebrates a whole festival devoted to launching pumpkins in the air. The World Championship Pumpkin Chuckin festival was recently dubbed one of the Top 100 Events in North America.

Chuckin. For three full days festival goers enjoy chucking 8-10 pound pumpkins as far as they can. There are over a dozen categories to enter including air cannons, catapult, and human powered. Visit: punkinchunkin.com to learn more.