Pumpkins

Although they are commonly mislabeled as vegetables, pumpkins are actually fruit! Pumpkins are a type of fruit that grows on vines and bushes. Pumpkins start off as seeds in the ground. Over time, a stem sprouts out of the ground and uncurls leaves. With the help of sunlight and water, the pumpkin plant grows. Before long, vines cover the pumpkin patch. Soon afterwards, yellow flower buds appear on the vines. During the cool nights and early mornings, bees fly around and pollinate the flowers. Eventually, the flowers turn into pumpkins. It takes about four months for pumpkins to fully grow. Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. Most pumpkins are orange, but some are white, yellow, or other colors. The average pumpkin weighs anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds.  

It is believed that pumpkins originated in North America. Seeds from related plants dating back to 7000 to 5500 B.C. have been found in Mexico. Early Native Americans utilized pumpkins. They called pumpkins “isqoutm squash.” Pumpkins were roasted, baked, boiled, and dried. Native Americans used the pumpkins for flour, mats, medicine, bowls, and containers. Pumpkins are nutritious fruits. They are rich in vitamin A and potassium. People cook and eat pumpkins in various ways. Pumpkin pie and roasted pumpkin seeds are two popular pumpkin snacks. Many farmers use pumpkins as food for their animals. Pumpkins are grown all over the United States. California, Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Ohio are among the top pumpkin-growing states. During the fall, many Americans visit pumpkin patches. People of all ages enjoy picking out pumpkins and carving them into jack-o'-lanterns to celebrate Halloween.  

_{These articles are written by library staff using library resources such as books, eBooks, and databases. Information can vary from book to book and database to database. Tickle Your Brain is meant to be a jumping off point for starting conversations about new topics of learning. It is not to be used as an authoritative resource.}