It a Pumpkin

Okay so with Halloween right around the corner I thought why not learn about the vegetable we call "Pumpkin".

So I sat down with my lil' pumpkins in front of the computer and did a lil' research/reading. Here are few quick facts we learned about this vegetable. And how the pumpkin carving got started.


Quick Fact:
1. A pumpkin is really a squash. It is a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash and cucumbers.

2. Pumpkins are grown all over the world on six of the seven continents, with Antarctica being the sole exception. They are even grown in Alaska.

3. The self proclaimed "Pumpkin Capital of the World" is Morton, Illinois where Libby has it's pumpkin industry and plant.

4. Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C.

The History of Pumpkin Carving
Halloween evolved, in part, from the Celtic tradition of All Hallow's Eve.

Pumpkin carving evolved from the traditions of this annual event. But, it wasn't pumpkins that were being carved in these ancient times. Pumpkins are native to America, and were not known to the Celtic people of Ireland. They carved turnips and rutabagas

So now my kids are so excited they can not wait to go to the store buy a pumpkin and get to carving :)

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!