Pumpkins

Some facts about pumpkins you probably didn't know:

• Pumpkins are fruits. A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitacae), which also includes squash, cucumbers, gherkins, and melons.
• The largest pumpkin ever grown was 1,689 pounds. It was grown by Joe Jutras of North Scituate, Rhode Island and weighed at the Topsfield Fair GPC weigh-off in Topsfield, MA on September 29, 2007.
• The top pumpkin production states are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California.
• In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
• Native Americans called pumpkins "isqoutm squash."
• Using pumpkins as lanterns at Halloween is based on an ancient Celtic custom brought to America by Irish immigrants. All Hallows Eve on October 31st marked the end of the old Celtic calendar year. On that night hollowed-out turnips, beets and rutabagas with a candle inside were placed on windowsills and porches to welcome home spirits of deceased ancestors and ward off evil spirits and a restless soul called "Stingy Jack."

Visit University of Illinois Pumpkins & More to learn more about pumpkin history and modern use.