Pumpkin

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Pumpkin is a gourd-like squash of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae (which also includes gourds).^[1] In Canada and the United States, it is a common name of or can refer to cultivars of any one of the species Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita moschata. They are typically orange or yellow and have many creases running from the stem to the bottom. They have a thick shell on the outside, with seeds and pulp on the inside.

In British^[2] and Australian English, pumpkin generally refers to what North Americans call winter squash, but would include the above species. This article is based on the North American definition.

Contents 1 Description 2 Taxonomy 3 Distribution and habitation 4 Ecology 4.1 Cultivation in the US 4.2 Giant pumpkins 5 Uses 5.1 Cooking 5.2 Extract 5.3 Seeds 5.3.1 Pumpkin-seed oil 5.4 Other uses 6 Activities involving pumpkins 6.1 Halloween 6.2 Chucking 6.3 Pumpkin festivals and competitions 7 Folklore and fiction 7.1 Folklore 7.2 Fiction 8 See also 9 References 10 External links

Description

The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon (πέπων), which is Greek for “large melon". The French adapted this word to pompon, which the British changed to pumpion and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, "pumpkin".^[3] The origin of pumpkins is not definitively known, although they are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 B.C., were found in Mexico.^[3][4] Pumpkins are a squash-like fruit that range in size from less than 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) to over 1,000 pounds (453.59 kilograms).^[5]

Since some squash share the same botanical classifications as pumpkins, the names are frequently used interchangeably. In general, pumpkin stems are more rigid, prickly, and angular (with an approximate five-degree angle) than squash stems, which are generally softer, more rounded, and more flared where joined to the fruit.^[6][7]

Pumpkins generally weigh 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) with the largest (of the species C. maxima) capable of reaching a weight of over 75 lbs (34 kg).^[8] The pumpkin varies greatly in shape, ranging from oblate to oblong. The rind is smooth and usually lightly ribbed.^[8] Although pumpkins are usually orange or yellow,^[7] some fruits are dark green, pale green, orange-yellow, white, red and gray.^[9]

Pumpkins are monoecious, having both male and female flowers on the same plant. The female flower is distinguished by the small ovary at the base of the petals. These bright and colorful flowers have extremely short life spans and may only open for as short a time as one day. The color of pumpkins is derived from the orange pigments abundant in them. The main nutrients are lutein and both alpha and beta carotene, the latter of which generates vitamin A in the body.^[10]

Taxonomy

Pumpkin is the fruit of the species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta. It can refer to a specific variety of the species Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata, which are all of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae.^[1]

Distribution and habitation

Pumpkins are grown all around the world for a variety of reasons ranging from agricultural purposes (such as animal feed) to commercial and ornamental sales.^[11] Out of the seven continents, only Antarctica is unable to produce pumpkins; the biggest international producers of pumpkins include the United States, Mexico, India, and China.^[12][13] The traditional American pumpkin is the Connecticut Field variety.^[3]

Ecology

Cultivation in the US

As one of the most popular crops in the United States, 1.5 billion pounds (680,000,000 kilograms) of pumpkins are produced each year.^[14] The top pumpkin-producing states in the U.S. include Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.^[15] According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, 95% of the U.S. crop intended for processing is grown in Illinois.^[16] Nestle produces 85% of the processed pumpkin in the U.S. In the fall of 2009, rain in Illinois devastated the Nestle crop, resulting in a shortage affecting the entire country during the Thanksgiving holiday season.^[17]

Pumpkins are a warm-weather crop that is usually planted in early July. The specific conditions necessary for growing pumpkins require that soil temperatures three inches (7.62 centimeters) deep are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) and soil that holds water well. Pumpkin crops may suffer if there is a lack of water or because of cold temperatures (in this case, below 65 degrees (18.3 degrees Celsius); frost can be detrimental), and sandy soil or soil with poor water filtration. Pumpkins are, however, rather hardy, and even if many leaves and portions of the vine are removed or damaged, the plant can very quickly re-grow secondary vines to replace what was removed.^[5]

Pumpkins produce both a male and female flower; honeybees play a significant role in fertilization.^[14] Pumpkins have historically been pollinated by the native squash bee Peponapis pruinosa, but this bee has declined, probably due to pesticide sensitivity^{[citation needed]}, and today most commercial plantings are pollinated by honeybees. One hive per acre (4,000 m² per hive) is recommended by the United States of America (US) Department of Agriculture. If there are inadequate bees for pollination, gardeners often have to hand pollinate. Inadequately pollinated pumpkins usually start growing but abort before full development. An opportunistic fungus is also sometimes blamed for abortions.^{[citation needed]}

Giant pumpkins

The largest pumpkins are Cucurbita maxima. They were cultivated from the hubbard squash genotype, crossed with kabocha-pumpkin types by enthusiast farmers through intermittent effort since the early 19th century. As such germplasm is commercially provocative, a U.S. legal right was granted for the rounder phenotypes, levying them as constituting a variety, with the appellation Atlantic Giant. Eventually this phenotype graduated back into the public domain, except now it had the name Atlantic Giant on its record (see USDA PVP # 8500204).

Weigh-off competitions for giant pumpkins are a popular festival activity. 460 pounds (208.65 kilograms) held the world record for the largest pumpkin until 1981 when Howard Dill (of Nova Scotia) broke the record with a pumpkin near 500 pounds (226.80 kilograms). Dill patented the seeds used to grow this giant pumpkin, deeming them Dill’s Atlantic Giant seeds, and drawing growers from around the world. Dill is credited for all of the giant pumpkins today, most of which are borne from crossing and re-crossing his patented seed with other varieties.^[18] By 1994, the Giant Pumpkin crossed the 1,000-pound (453.59-kilogram) mark. The current world record holder is Christy Harp's 1,725-pound (782 kilograms) Atlantic giant pumpkin, which won the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers annual weigh-off in Oct 2009.^[19] Harp's pumpkin beat the previous world record by Joe Jutras of Rhode Island^[20] in 2007 by 36 pounds.

Uses

Cooking

Pumpkin, raw

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	56 kJ (13 kcal)
Carbohydrates	6.5 g
Sugars	1.36 g
Dietary fiber	0.5 g
Fat	0.1 g
saturated	0.05 g
monounsaturated	0.01 g
polyunsaturated	0.01 g
Protein	1.0 g
Vitamin A equiv.	369 μg (41%)
- beta-carotene	3100 μg (29%)
Thiamine (Vit. B1)	0.05 mg (4%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2)	0.110 mg (7%)
Niacin (Vit. B3)	0.6 mg (4%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.298 mg (6%)
Vitamin B6	0.061 mg (5%)
Folate (Vit. B9)	16 μg (4%)
Vitamin C	9 mg (15%)
Vitamin E	1.06 mg (7%)
Calcium	21 mg (2%)
Iron	0.8 mg (6%)
Magnesium	12 mg (3%)
Phosphorus	44 mg (6%)
Potassium	340 mg (7%)
Sodium	1 mg (0%)
Zinc	0.32 mg (3%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database

Pumpkins are very versatile in their uses for cooking. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers. In the United States, pumpkin is a very popular Halloween and Thanksgiving staple. Although most people use store-bought canned pumpkin, homemade pumpkin purée can serve the same purpose.^[21]

When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. In its native North America, it is a very important, traditional part of the autumn harvest, eaten mashed^[22] and making its way into soups and purees. In Mexico and the U.S., the seeds are often roasted and eaten as a snack. Often, it is made into pie, various kinds of which are a traditional staple of the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holiday.

Pumpkins that are still small and green may be eaten in the same way as squash or zucchini. Pumpkins can also be mashed (similar to mashed potatoes) or incorporated into soup. In the Middle East, pumpkin is used for sweet dishes; a well-known sweet delicacy is called halawa yaqtin. In South Asian countries such as India, pumpkin is cooked with butter, sugar, and spices in a dish called kadu ka halwa. Pumpkin is used to make Sambar in Udupi cuisine. In Guangxi province, China, the leaves of the pumpkin plant are consumed as a cooked vegetable or in soups. In Australia and New Zealand, pumpkin is often roasted in conjunction with other vegetables. In Japan, small pumpkins are served in savory dishes, including tempura. In Myanmar, pumpkins are used in both cooking and desserts (candied). The seeds are a popular sunflower seed substitute. In Thailand, small pumpkins are steamed with custard inside and served as a dessert. In Italy it can be used with cheeses as a savory stuffing for ravioli. Also, pumpkin can be used to flavor both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

In the southwestern United States and Mexico, pumpkin and squash flowers are a popular and widely available food item. They may be used to garnish dishes, and they may be dredged in a batter then fried in oil. In Kenya the pumpkin leaves are a popular vegetable in the Western and central regions called seveve or an ingredient of mukimo [5] respectively whereas the pumpkin itself is usually boiled or steamed. The seeds are popular with children who roast them on a pan before eating them.

Extract

East China Normal University research on type-1 diabetic rats, published in July 2007, suggests that chemical compounds found in pumpkin promote regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells, resulting in increased bloodstream insulin levels. According to the research team leader, pumpkin extract may be "a very good product for pre-diabetic people, as well as those who already have diabetes," possibly reducing or eliminating the need for insulin injections for some type-1 diabetics. It is unknown whether pumpkin extract has any effect on diabetes mellitus type 2, as it was not the subject of the study.^[23]

Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are small, flat, green, edible seeds. Most pumpkin seeds are covered by a white husk, although some pumpkin varieties produce seeds without them. Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack that can be found hulled or semi-hulled at most grocery stores. However, roasting pumpkin seeds (usually scooped out of jack-o-lanterns) is a popular Halloween treat. Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, some of which include a good source of protein, zinc, and other vitamins, and are even said to lower cholesterol.^[24] One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much tryptophan as a full glass of milk.^[25] Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and phytosterols.^{[citation needed]}

Pumpkin-seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a thick, green-red^[26][27] oil that is produced from roasted pumpkin seeds. When used for cooking or as a salad dressing, pumpkin-seed oil is generally mixed with other oils because of its robust flavor.^[28] It is used in cooking in central and eastern Europe. It is considered a delicacy in Austria where a little is often added in traditional local cuisine on pumpkin soup and on potato salad. In some restaurants in Vienna they propose even to add a few drops on vanilla ice cream. Long believed to be a folk remedy for prostate problems, it has been claimed to combat benign prostatic hyperplasia.^[29] Pumpkin seed oil contains fatty acids that help maintain healthy blood vessels and nerves, and are loaded with essential fatty acids that help to maintain healthy blood vessels, nerves and tissues.^[30]

Other uses

Canned pumpkin is often recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that are experiencing digestive problems. The high fiber content helps to aid proper digestion.^[31] Raw pumpkin can be fed to poultry, as a supplement to regular feed, during the winter to help maintain egg production, which usually drops off during the cold months.^{[citation needed]}

Activities involving pumpkins

Halloween

Pumpkins are commonly carved into decorative lanterns called jack-o'-lanterns for the Halloween season in North America. Throughout Britain and Ireland, there is a long tradition of carving lanterns from vegetables, particularly the turnip, mangelwurzel, or swede.^[32] Not until 1837, however, does jack-o'-lantern appear as a term for a carved vegetable lantern,^[33] and the carved lantern does not become associated specifically with Halloween until 1866.^[34] Significantly, both occurred not in Britain or Ireland—but in North America. Historian David J. Skal writes,

Although every modern chronicle of the holiday repeats the claim that vegetable lanterns were a time-honored component of Halloween celebrations in the British Isles, none gives any primary documentation. In fact, none of the major nineteenth-century chronicles of British holidays and folk customs make any mention whatsoever of carved lanterns in connection with Halloween. Neither do any of the standard works of the early twentieth century.^[35]

In the United States, the carved pumpkin was first associated with the harvest season in general, long before it became an emblem of Halloween.^[36]

Chucking

Pumpkin chucking is a competitive activity in which teams build various mechanical devices designed to throw a pumpkin as far as possible. Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas and air cannons are the most common mechanisms. Some pumpkin chuckers breed and grow special varieties of pumpkin under specialized conditions in order to improve the pumpkin's chances of surviving a throw.

Pumpkin festivals and competitions

Pumpkin growers often compete to see whose pumpkins are the most massive. Festivals are often dedicated to the pumpkin and these competitions.

The Ohio towns of Barnesville and Circleville each hold a festival every year, the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival and the Circleville Pumpkin Show respectively. The town of Half Moon Bay, California, holds an annual Art and Pumpkin Festival, drawing over 250,000 visitors each year and including the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off.^[37] Farmers from all over the US compete to determine who can grow the heaviest pumpkin.^[38] The winning pumpkin regularly tops the scale at more than 1500 pounds. The world record pumpkin in 2009 was 1725 pounds, grown by Cristy Harp of Ohio.^[39]

The town of Morton, Illinois, the self-declared pumpkin capital of the world,^[40] has held a Pumpkin Festival since 1966. The town, where Nestlé's pumpkin packing plant is located (and where 90% of canned pumpkins eaten in the US are processed), held for several years a record for the number of carved and lit pumpkins in one place, before losing it to Boston, Massachusetts, in 2006. A large contributor of pumpkins to the Keene Pumpkin Fest in New Hampshire is local Keene State College, which hosts an event called Pumpkin Lobotomy on its main quad. Usually held the day before the festival itself, Pumpkin Lobotomy has the air of a large party, with the school providing pumpkins and carving instruments alike (though some students prefer to use their own) and music provided by college radio station WKNH.

Ireland's only Pumpkin Festival takes place each year in Virginia, County Cavan to find Ireland's biggest pumpkins. This year the biggest pumpkin topped 1300 pounds. The event takes place over a holiday weekend along with other entertainment and festive parades.

The city of Elk Grove, California, has held an annual Pumpkin Festival since 1995.

Folklore and fiction

There seems to be a strong connection in folklore and popular culture between pumpkins and the supernatural. Famous examples include the following:

Folklore

• A commonplace motif of people being turned into pumpkins by witches.
• The Jack-o-lantern custom discussed above, which connects to Halloween lore about warding off demons.

Fiction

• The Mother Goose story of Cinderella, in which the fairy godmother turns a pumpkin into a carriage, but it later reverts to a pumpkin.
• Linus' belief in the Great Pumpkin in Charles M. Schulz's comic strip Peanuts.
• The short story "Pumpkin Juice" by R. L. Stine, in which juice from a pumpkin has magical effects.
• The Harry Potter novels, in which pumpkin juice as a favorite drink of the students of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a recurring element.
• The pumpkin hurled by the "Headless Horseman" in Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
• Jack Pumpkinhead, a character in the Oz books of L. Frank Baum, with a pumpkin for a head on a wooden body, brought to life in the second book.
• in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, the main character, Jack Skellington is "the Pumpkin King."
• Precious Ramotswe, the fictional detective from Botswana in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series of novels by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith, often cooks and eats pumpkin.
• Feathertop 1852, short fiction by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Witch turns scarecrow with "pumpkinhead" into a man.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of pumpkin varieties
• Pepitas
• Pumpkin Queens
• Vegetable juice

References

Notes

• Pumpkin seeds on The worlds Healthiest Foods, The George Mateljan Foundation.
• Illinois Leads Nation in Pumpkin Production, Illinois Department of Agriculture.
• The Largest Pumpkin Ever, bigpumpkins.com.
• Keene Pumpkin Festival, list of world records.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pumpkins

• Squash Display at Missouri Botanical Garden — Pics of 150 varieties from The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur, IL

v • d • e Squashes and pumpkins List of pumpkin varieties Squashes Acorn squash • Big Max • Butternut squash • Cucurbita • Cucurbita maxima • Gem squash • Kabocha • Pattypan squash • Red kuri squash • Spaghetti squash • Summer squash • Winter squash • Yellow crookneck squash • Yellow summer squash • Zucchini Pumpkins 1068 Wallace • Atlantic Giant • Cucurbita • Hitlerszalonna • Prizewinner • Pumpkin chunking • Pumpkin queen • Pumpkin soup