The Great Pumpkin

Pumpkin season is upon us, while it brings to mind cooler weather, the beginning of the holidays and changing of the leaves, what uses are pumpkins for other than pumpkin pie?

Pumpkins come in over 150 species of plants. The most common of the species is a round, orange-colored squash variety. The word pumpkin is believed to come from the Greek word “pepon” which means “big melon”. The French changed the word to “pompon”, and the English morphed it to “pumpion”. The American colonies changed the name to our now familiar “pumpkin” to differentiate from the melon and to describe a particular type of squash that was domesticated by the indigenous community thousands of years before.

Pumpkins are one of the world’s oldest domesticated plants, some findings show them dating to 7000 and 5000 BCE. Wild species were domesticated in North America (Mexico and Southern United States).

Pumpkins have a thick edible rind with edible flesh and a lot of seeds. The seeds can be roasted and eaten too.

Europeans loved travel during medieval times and brought about the exchange of plants, food, animals and culture which introduced new varieties of gourds from Africa. Pumpkins were favored due to their similarity to gourds, but with better flavor.

The first mention of a cooked pumpkin dates to 1536 in England where they were called “pumpions” due to their round shape. A 1653 French cookbook instructed you to boil the pumpkin in milk and strain it before putting it in a crust. Pumpkin pies date back to medieval times where the use of spices including cinnamon, clove, ginger and nutmeg were considered a status symbol. Wealthy people could flaunt their riches by offering a feast to guests featuring spices, sugar and vegetables from the new world.

Some other great uses for pumpkins include pumpkin in chili, which is a great meatless alternative, and it’s healthy and filling.

Baking pumpkin bread, muffins and biscuits are a treat all through the day. Pumpkin ravioli or risotto gives a twist on Italian food for dinner and try serving Pumpkin pancakes for breakfast.

Pumpkins are great for our furry friends too. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and is rich in fiber. Dogs love the taste but should only be given pure pumpkin without added fat, sugar, and salt.

Pumpkins and gourds make cute centerpieces for the dining table and are adorable decor on the front steps welcoming guests to your home.

Of course we cannot forget the tradition of pumpkin carving for Halloween. The art of carving has become so popular that television shows are dedicated to the craft. An Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack may have started the process of Jack O Lanterns, where ghoulish faces were carved on large turnips to help ward away bad spirits. Irish immigrants brought the practice to America where it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.

The picking of a pumpkin has become an annual tradition in itself. With so many colors and sizes, it’s hard to choose a favorite.

We should start to see pumpkin patches crop up soon across the county. Support your local farmers. Local varieties grown in our climate will last longer.

PS. A slice of pumpkin pie before bedtime may help you to sleep.