Pumpkins are a quintessential symbol of the fall season and are often associated with Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities. From their iconic orange color to their versatile culinary uses, pumpkins have a rich history and many fascinating facts. In this article, we’ll uncover 20 intriguing pumpkin facts that will provide insights into the origins, folklore, and uses of these beloved gourds. From their ancient origins to their modern-day popularity, get ready to discover some interesting tidbits about pumpkins that will enhance your appreciation for these versatile and festive fruits.
1-5 Fun Facts About Pumpkins
1. The term “pumpkin” originated from the Greek word “pepon,” which translates to “large melon.”
2. Pumpkins were once believed to have medicinal properties and were used as remedies for freckles and snakebites.
3. A single pumpkin contains approximately 500 seeds.
4. There are over 45 different varieties of pumpkins.
5. Approximately 90% of a pumpkin’s composition is water.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Pumpkins
6. The Atlantic Giant pumpkin species is known for its impressive size, with some specimens capable of growing as much as 50 pounds per day.
7. The current world record for the heaviest pumpkin, weighing a staggering 2,624 lbs, was set in 2016 by Belgian Mathias Willemijns. To achieve this enormous size, it took years of cultivation and meticulous care.
8. A farmer named Tony Dighera invented a plastic mold that can be placed over pumpkins to shape them into the likeness of Frankenstein’s face. These unique pumpkins, dubbed “Pumpkinsteins,” required four years of experimentation, 27 pumpkin varieties, and an investment of $400,000 to perfect the concept.
9. According to the University of Illinois, a significant portion of pumpkins grown in the United States, approximately 90%, are cultivated within a 90-mile radius of Peoria, Illinois.
10. According to the scientific definition, pumpkins, bananas, and watermelons are considered berries, while blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are not.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Pumpkin
11. Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, a natural amino acid known for its potential benefits in managing anxiety disorders.
12. Surprisingly, Starbucks’ popular “Pumpkin Spice Latte” did not contain any actual pumpkin until 2015.
13. According to Balkan folklore, any pumpkin or melon kept for more than ten days or after Christmas will turn into a vampire.
14. CalTech, a renowned research institution, has an annual tradition of dropping a pumpkin frozen in liquid nitrogen from the top of a building.
15. Boulder, Colorado is home to a unique event called the Naked Pumpkin Run, where participants run wearing only shoes and a carved-out pumpkin on their heads.
16-20 Cool Facts About Pumpkins
16. Before pumpkins were discovered in the New World, people used to carve faces into turnips. Pumpkins are now favored for their ease of carving during Halloween festivities.
17. In Ukraine, pumpkins are considered a symbol of rejection.
18. Trevor Hunt holds the Guinness World Record for carving the most pumpkins in one hour, with a total of 109 pumpkins carved in 60 minutes, averaging about 33 seconds per pumpkin.
19. To have pumpkins ready for Halloween, they need to be planted between late May and early July, depending on the location.
20. Once a pumpkin is cut, it typically lasts for about seven to ten days before starting to spoil.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Cool Facts About Pumpkins.
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