Where Did Pumpkins Originate?

As we start to feel the coldness in the air we

can still see the wonderful colors of Autumn around us.

Recently there were fields and fields of colorful

pumpkins. These photos show their beauty.

Here are some interesting Pumpkin facts:

Pumpkins originated in Central America.

The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.

The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."

Pumpkins are 90 percent water.

Pumpkins are fruit.

Total U.S. pumpkin production in 2010 in major pumpkin producing states was valued at $142 million.

The top pumpkin production states are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California.

Around 90 to 95% of the processed pumpkins in the United States are grown in Illinois.

Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.

Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.

Pumpkins are used for feed for animals.

Pumpkin flowers are edible.

Pumpkins are used to make soups, pies and breads.

Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.

Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.

Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.