A pumpkin is part of the Cucurbitaceae family which has brought us other great vegetables such as Cucumbers, Squash, Melons and Water Melon. ‘Pumpkin’ originates from the Greek word ‘Pepon’ which translates to ‘large melon. The French modified the word ‘Pepon’ to ‘Pompon’ and the British changed it to ‘Pumpion’. American colonists then change ‘Pumpion’ to ‘Pumpkin’
On a nutrition level Pumpkins contain large amounts of antioxidant and betacarotene. Pumpkins are low in fat and calories and high in potassium. They also contain Vitamin C, Niacin (B3), Vitamin E, Calcium and Iron.
The worlds largest pumpkin title belongs to Joe Jutras who presented a 766Kg creamed coloured pumpkin in September 2007. He took the title from Howard Dill, who had previously rained supreme in the giant pumpkin growing world with his own patented pumpkin breed the ‘Dill’s Atlantic Giant seeds’.
Pumpkins are seen throughout popular culture with events like Halloween. Artist have also started explore pumpkins as a new medium for craving, check out The Vine. Pumpkins have also made it on the music seen with The Smashing Pumpkins who disbanded in 2004, to reform in 2005 – 2009. Although some members have departed front man Billy Corgan is set to release a 44 song concept album under The Smashing Pumpkins titled ‘Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.