National Pumpkin Day recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food on October 26th. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty recipes. Join a pumpkin competition or visit any of the many fall festivals featuring the beautiful gourds.
#NationalPumpkinDay
By October 26th, we’re in a frenzy of pumpkin obsession. We cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. No siree, we need pumpkin everything! Bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta, and oatmeal. Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs, and television specials. Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving, too! This fruit grabs Americans’ attention.
As it should! This squash is native to North America. The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates back to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico.
The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which means “large melon” in Greek.
Within recent years, white pumpkins have become more popular in the United States. The United States produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins, with Illinois producing more than any other state.
In 2021, Italian Stefano Cutrupi claimed the title of the world’s largest pumpkin when his gargantuan gourd weighed in at 2703 pounds (1,226 kg). That’s 300 pounds heavier than the 2014 winner from Switzerland. In 2020, Travis Gienger grew the largest pumpkin in North America. The hefty vegetable weighed in at 2,350 pounds. It eeked out the previous winner, a 2,145-pound pumpkin from Streator, Illinois grown by Gene McMullen.
Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, but they’re not only good for humans. Did you know that pumpkin may be recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats? Since pumpkin is easy to digest, if your pet is experiencing certain digestive ailments, don’t be surprised if your vet says to give them pumpkin puree. Poultry also benefits from eating raw pumpkin as a supplement to their regular feed during the winter months to help maintain egg production. As a seasonal food, it sure comes at the right time of year. Since it’s packed with vitamin C, it can boost your immune system to fight off those nasty colds, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY
Ah, pumpkins! They bring to mind wonderful memories and inspire us to artistry. Whether we frame the perfect photo at the local pumpkin patch, carve up the scariest jack-o-lantern or whip up the tastiest batch of pumpkin bars, this is a holiday worth sharing. Roast some pumpkin seeds while the family rakes up those fall leaves. Pour a mug of hot apple cider and bake up your favorite pumpkin recipes, too. Or try a new one. We offer several for you to try! As always, invite someone to Celebrate Every Day® with you, too.
Pumpkin Lasagna
Savory Pumpkin Raviolo
Debbie’s Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Pudding
Use #NationalPumpkinDay to post on social media.
