Interesting Pumpkin Facts to Get You Pumped for Fall

Nothing announces the arrival of fall like bright orange pumpkins. More than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced in the United States each year, and the country ranks fourth in the world for pumpkin production behind China, India and Russia. Within the U.S., Illinois leads the nation in pumpkin production. In fact, Morton, Illinois, boasts the nickname “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” Other big pumpkin-growing states include California, Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Virginia, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Want to learn more about everyone’s favorite fall fruit? Read on for more interesting pumpkin facts.

See more: 27 Pumpkin Recipes to Make This Fall

Where do pumpkins come from?

Pumpkins are native to Central America now grow on every continent except Antarctica. They were one of the earliest domesticated plants and among the first crops grown for food in North America.

Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?

Contrary to what you might think, pumpkins are actually fruits, not vegetables! They fall into the same plant family as cucumbers and melons, even though they’re more similar to vegetables from a nutritional standpoint. Learn more about why pumpkins are classified as fruits.

How many varieties of pumpkins are there?

There are more than 150 varieties of pumpkins in the world today.

Are pumpkins nutritious?

Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, pumpkins are a healthy choice. A single cup of cooked pumpkin has just 83 calories and contains 3 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber and a whopping 2,650 IU (international units) of vitamin A.

How much water do pumpkins contain?

Pumpkins are 90% water.

What can you do with pumpkin seeds?

Carving a jack-o’-lantern this fall? Don’t throw out the seeds! There are many uses for pumpkin seeds. You can roast them for a quick, delicious and nutritious snack, save them for planting next year, mix them into pumpkin bread batter, use them as a garnish for all kinds of dishes and much more!

See more: How to Save Pumpkin Seeds to Plant Next Year

What can you do with pumpkin flowers?

Pumpkin flowers are edible! You can use them to add a pop of color to salads, mix them into stir-fries, or fry them in batter to make tasty fritters.

How many pumpkins can 1 acre produce?

A typical pumpkin yield falls between 800 and 1,200 harvested pumpkins per acre, depending on the variety.

See more: Pumpkin Carving Tips for Gorgeous Gourds

Are pumpkins used as natural remedies?

Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites. Today, they aren’t considered remedies for either.

How big can a pumpkin get?

Pumpkins range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds. The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed in a a whopping 2,702 pounds.

See more: How to Keep Carved Pumpkins Fresh in 4 Simple Steps

How big was the largest pumpkin pie?

The largest pumpkin pie ever made was 20 feet in diameter and weighed 3,699 pounds. It was made at New Bremen Pumpkinfest in Ohio. The crust used an impressive 440 sheets of dough. In the mood to make your own pumpkin pie? Try our Best Pumpkin Pie recipe.