10 Fascinating Facts about Pumpkins
Pumpkins belong to the same family as cucumbers, watermelons, and zucchinis.
The heaviest pumpkin ever grown weighed over 2,600 pounds (1,179 kilograms).
In the United States alone, over one billion pounds of pumpkin are produced each year.
The largest pumpkin pie ever made weighed over 3,699 pounds (1,678 kilograms).
Pumpkins are technically a fruit, not a vegetable.
The word pumpkin comes from the Greek word pepon, which means large melon.
Pumpkin seeds are edible and are a good source of protein and fiber.
The world record for the longest distance to spit a pumpkin seed is 69 feet, 11 inches (21.31 meters).
Pumpkins are 90% water, which makes them a hydrating snack.
The tradition of carving pumpkins at Halloween originated from the Irish folklore tale of Stingy Jack.
In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as a substitute for beer in recipes.
The world record for the most pumpkins carved in one hour is 109 by an artist in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
There are over 40 different varieties of pumpkins, varying in color, size, and shape.
The town of Morton, Illinois, is considered the pumpkin capital of the world, hosting an annual Pumpkin Festival.
The Guinness World Record for the fastest time to carve a pumpkin is 16.47 seconds.
Pumpkin flowers are edible and can be used in various recipes.
Pumpkins were once used as a remedy for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
10 Fascinating Facts about Pumpkins part 2
The largest pumpkin ever grown in Canada weighed over 1810 pounds (821 kilograms).
The city of Keene, New Hampshire, holds an annual Pumpkin Festival where people attempt to break the record for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns in one place.
Pumpkin seeds were found in Mexico dating back to 7,000 BC.
Pumpkins were once used to cure acne and remove wrinkles due to their natural enzymes.
The tradition of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving started in the 17th century.
The smell of pumpkin can help to reduce anxiety and induce relaxation.
The town of Circleville, Ohio, is known for its annual Pumpkin Show, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year.
The world record for the largest pumpkin boat race involved 40 participants floating in hollowed-out pumpkins.
The town of Half Moon Bay, California, hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival and features a giant pumpkin weigh-off contest.
Pumpkins can be roasted, steamed, baked, or even microwaved for various culinary uses.
In the 19th century, pumpkins were used to cure a common ailment known as remittent fever.
Pumpkin spice, a popular flavor used in various drinks and desserts, typically contains a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice.
The world record for the most pumpkins smashed in one minute is
Pumpkins have been grown commercially in North America for over 5,000 years.
The town of Highwood, Illinois, holds an annual Pumpkin Festival with activities such as pumpkin painting, pie-eating contests, and a pumpkin parade.
The first recorded use of the word pumpkin appeared in the fairy tale Cinderella.
In the Netherlands, pumpkins were once used as containers for carrying milk.
The largest pumpkin ever grown outside of North America weighed over 2,323 pounds (1,054 kilograms) and was grown in Belgium.
The world record for the tallest pumpkin stack is 32 pumpkins high.
In the United States, the state of New Hampshire is the largest producer of pumpkins.
The town of Damariscotta, Maine, hosts an annual Pumpkinfest featuring events like pumpkin catapulting and underwater pumpkin carving.
The first pumpkin pies were made by cutting off the top of the pumpkin, removing the seeds, and filling the inside with milk, spices, and honey.
Pumpkins were once used as a substitute for clothes in European folk medicine.
In the 17th century, pumpkin shells were used as a temporary helmet.
The world record for the fastest time to eat a pumpkin is 33.84 seconds.
Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America.
In some cultures, pumpkin leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
The town of Kent, Connecticut, holds an annual Pumpkin Run, where participants compete in a 5-mile race while carrying a pumpkin.