Pumpkins are the unofficial mascot of fall. The sight of pumpkins signals the transition to cooler temperatures, crisper air and, of course, Halloween!
How much do you really know about pumpkins? Here are a few pumpkin facts that will make you say “OH MY GOURD!”
- Pumpkins are technically a fruit.
- Pumpkins contain the antioxidant beta-carotene.
- An average pumpkin produces ~500 seeds.
- Canned pumpkin likely isn’t pumpkin at all. It’s squash!
- The word “pumpkin” was introduced through the fairytale Cinderella.
- Pumpkins grow on every continent except Antarctica.
- The U.S. produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins every year!
- Pumpkins weren’t always popular on Halloween. Turnips & beets were used to create the first carvings!
- Pumpkins were first grown in Central America.
- The largest pumpkin on record weighed 2,624.6 pounds. Wow!
Enjoy!