Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back to 7000 to 5500 B.C. The name pumpkin, originated from the Greek word for "large melon" which is "pepon." "Pepon" was later changed by the French into "pompon." Carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns is a popular Halloween tradition that originated hundreds of years ago in Ireland. However, in the past, jack-o'-lanterns were made out of turnips or potatoes. It wasn't until Irish immigrants arrived in America and discovered the pumpkin that a new Halloween ritual was born. Why are carved pumpkins a symbol of Halloween? The tradition of carving faces into vegetables dates back to the Celts. As part of their autumnal celebration, they wanted to light the way to their homes for good spirits, so they carved faces into vegetables such as, turnips and squash. Eating pumpkin is good for the heart. The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content in a pumpkin all support heart health. Studies suggest that consuming enough potassium may be as important as decreasing sodium intake for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced each year in the United States. The world's heaviest pumpkin weighed over 2,600 pounds. Pumpkins are technically fruit. More specifically, they are a winter squash in the family of cucurbitaceae, which includes cucumbers and melons. The self proclaimed "Pumpkin Capital of the World" is Morton, Illinois, where Libby has its pumpkin industry and plant. In the early 1800’s, decorative pumpkins called jack-o’-lanterns, were carved to celebrate the autumn harvest season. Pumpkins proved to be much easier to work with than the potatoes and turnips of the past. In 1819, Washington Irving featured a mysterious jack-o’-lantern in his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which may have led to the carved pumpkins popular association with the Halloween holiday. Advice from a pumpkin: |
In the last 43 years VanBourgondien Nursery has expanded into a year-round full service Garden Center. We sell a full and unique range of Annuals, Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, soils, pottery, urns, gift-ware, statuary, bird feed and supplies and water gardening supplies. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality plants to ensure your gardening success |
20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 