🎃 Pumpkins are Much Weirder Than They Seem (Here Are 15 Facts That Prove It)
Pumpkins are a quintessential symbol of fall, often appearing grandly during Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities.
While most of us are familiar with the classic jack-o’-lantern or a slice of pumpkin pie, there’s much more to this orange gourd than meets the eye.
From its fascinating history to its surprising health benefits, here are 15 things you probably didn’t know about pumpkins.
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1. Pumpkins are Technically Fruits, Not Vegetables
Though often treated as a savory vegetable in the kitchen, pumpkins are botanically classified as fruits.
This is because they develop from the flowering part of the plant and contain seeds.
Like their relatives, cucumbers and melons, pumpkins belong to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae.
2. Pumpkins Have Been Around for More Than 9,000 Years
Pumpkins have an ancient history, dating back over 9,000 years.
The earliest pumpkin seeds were discovered in the Oaxaca Valley in southern Mexico, making pumpkins one of the oldest domesticated plants in the world.
One of the top fruits and veggies from Mexico, indigenous North Americans have been growing pumpkins long before corn and beans became staple crops.
3. The Word “Pumpkin” Has Evolved Over Time
The term “pumpkin” has evolved quite a bit. It originates from the Greek word pepon, meaning large melon.
The French adapted it to pompon, and the English later transformed it into pumping.
Eventually, American colonists altered it to the word we use today: pumpkin.
4. Illinois Is the Pumpkin Capital of the World
According to recent U.S. Agriculture Census data, Illinois is still the top producer of pumpkins in the United States.
In 2023, Illinois harvested over 600 million pounds of pumpkins, accounting for over 40% of the nation’s pumpkin production.
The state’s rich soil and ideal climate make it perfect for growing these festive fruits.
5. The World’s Heaviest Pumpkin Weighs Over 2,700 Pounds
The current world record for the heaviest pumpkin was set in 2023 in the United States.
It weighed 2,749 pounds (1,250 kg) when presented by Travis Gienger at the 50th Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
6. Pumpkins Are Grown on Every Continent Except Antarctica
Pumpkins are incredibly versatile and can be grown almost anywhere in the world.
They thrive on six continents: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The only exception is Antarctica, where the freezing temperatures make it impossible for any crops to grow.
7. Pumpkin Seeds Were Used for Medicine
Native Americans didn’t just consume pumpkins; they also used pumpkin seeds for medicinal purposes.
Pumpkin seeds, known as “pepitas,” were used to treat intestinal worms and urinary problems.
Today, pumpkin seeds are still recognized for their health benefits, rich in zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats.
8. Pumpkin Seed Oil Could Help Combat Hair Loss
Recent studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil might be an effective natural remedy for male-pattern baldness.
The oil contains properties that inhibit the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for shrinking hair follicles.
While it’s not a guaranteed cure, it offers a natural alternative to other hair-loss treatments with fewer side effects.
9. Jack-O’-Lanterns Weren’t Always Made from Pumpkins
The tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns originated in Ireland, but pumpkins weren’t the original choice.
Early jack-o’-lanterns were made from turnips, potatoes, and even beets.
It wasn’t until Irish immigrants arrived in America and discovered the abundant and easy-to-carve pumpkins that the tradition evolved into what we know today.
10. Pumpkin Flowers are Edible and Nutritious
Did you know that every part of the pumpkin plant, including its flowers, is edible?
Pumpkin blossoms are delicate and slightly sweet and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, soups, or even stuffed and fried.
They’re packed with vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious addition to your meals.
11. The Largest Pumpkin Pie Ever Baked Weighed Over 3,700 Pounds
In 2010, the world’s largest pumpkin pie was baked in New Bremen, Ohio, weighing 3,699 pounds and measuring over 20 feet in diameter.
The pie included 1,212 pounds of canned pumpkin, 2,796 eggs, 109 gallons of milk, 525 pounds of sugar, and 14.5 pounds of cinnamon.
12. Pumpkins 1re 90% Water
Just like watermelons, pumpkins are composed mostly of water—about 90% to be exact.
This high water content makes them low in calories and great for hydration.
A cup of cooked pumpkin has only around 50 calories but provides plenty of vitamins, making it a healthy food option.
13. Starbucks Popularized Pumpkin Spice Lattes in 2003
Thanks to Starbucks, pumpkin spice lattes (PSL) have become a beloved fall tradition.
First introduced in 2003, the drink was initially made without any actual pumpkin.
In 2015, due to customer demand, Starbucks added a small amount of real pumpkin puree to the recipe, making it the most iconic pumpkin-flavored drink in the world.
14. Pumpkins Can Be Used to Treat Burns
Pumpkin seed oil contains anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help treat wounds and burns.
Studies have shown that applying pumpkin seed oil to second-degree burns can speed up the healing process thanks to its ability to promote collagen production, which is essential for skin repair.
15. Pumpkins Have an Annual Festival in Morton, Illinois
Every year, Morton, Illinois, holds a massive Pumpkin Festival to celebrate the state’s status as the top pumpkin producer.
Known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” Morton attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy pumpkin-themed foods, games, and contests, making it the ultimate destination for pumpkin enthusiasts.
My Final Thoughts on These Weird Pumpkin Facts
Pumpkins are more than just a festive decoration or a key ingredient in a pumpkin pie.
With a history that spans thousands of years, surprising health benefits, and a global presence, pumpkins truly deserve to be celebrated as one of autumn’s most fascinating fruits.
Whether you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern, sipping a pumpkin spice latte, or enjoying roasted pumpkin seeds, you can now appreciate this amazing fruit in all its glory.