Pumpkin
Pumpkins belong to the same family of plants as cucumbers, melons, squash, and gourds. They go all the way back before 5000 BC and may have originated in Central America.
The word pumpkin originates from the Greek word "pepon", meaning "large melon".
Pumpkins can grow as large as 1100 pounds.
Pumpkins are actually considered a fruit.
The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is one of the plant carotenoids converted to vitamin A in the body. In the conversion to vitamin A, beta carotene performs many important functions in overall health. Pumpkin is also rich in the important mineral potassium.
Pumpkins are a good source of nutrition. They contain Vitamin A and B and potassium. Pumpkins are also a source of protein, dietary fiber and Vitamin E.
Immature fruit will have more decay and weight loss during storage than mature fruits.
Pumpkin Facts
- Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.
- Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
- Pumpkins are used as 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.
- Pumpkins originated in Central America.
- In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
- Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
- Pumpkins range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds.
- The name pumpkin orginated from "pepon" the Greek word for "large melon".
- The Connecticut field variety is the traditional American pumpkin.
- Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
- Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
- In colonial times, Native Americans roasted long strips of pumpkin in an open fire.
- Colonists sliced off pumpkin tips; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie.
- Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats.
- Native Americans called pumpkins "isqoutm squash".
- Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.
Pumpkin Pudding Facial
Pumpkin's orange hue comes from carotenoids, wrinkle-fighting plant pigments. Plus, pumpkin has hydrating properties. So, smooth it on! In a food processor or blender, combine 2 cups canned pumpkin, 4 tablespoons low-fat vanilla yogurt, 4 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Coat face; leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. This is great for hydrating and softening skin naturally.
See also: Baking with Fresh Pumpkin
