Pumpkins!

Yep, its that time of year again!  October, Fall, and this can only mean 1 thing, HALLOWEEN!!  Yep, that right, and what is the number 1 Halloween representation? *Candy*.  NOPE, its pumpkins.  Yup, you heard correct, so, can you guess what this weeks mystery article is on? Durrrr.....pumpkins.




Some Quick Pumpkin Facts

• Total U.S. pumpkin production in 2008 in major pumpkin producing states was valued at $141 million.
• Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack. 
•  Pumpkins originated in Central America.
• Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
• Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
•  I like them
• Pumpkins on Haloween are often used as "Jack-o-lanterns" which are cut open at the top, hollowed out, and then a design is carved into the pumpkin.

Pumpkins, part of the vine crops family called cucurbits.  Often, they are made into pies, and waaaay back when, the natives would cut out long strips of pumpkin and turn them into mats.  Pumpkin pies originated when the natives would hollow out a pumpkin, take out all of the seeds, fill it with milk, sugars, and honey, and then bake it.  The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."  Well, there ain't to much else to know about pumpkins, you learned something, as well as I, so stay tuned and check in next week :)