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{{otheruses}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Pumpkin
| image = Pumpkins.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| regnum = ]
| divisio = ]
| classis = ]
| ordo = ]
| familia = ]
| genus = '''''] spp.'''''
| genus_authority = ]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
'']''<br>
'']''<br>
'']''<br>
'']''<br>
}}

'''Pumpkin''' is a ]-like ] of the genus '']'' and the family '']'' (which also includes gourds).<ref name="itis"></ref> It can refer to either species '']'' or ''Cucurbita mixta'', and sometimes to a specific variety of either the species '']'' or '']''.

==Description==
The word pumpkin originates from the word “pepon” which is greek for “large melon.” The ] adapted this word to “pompon,” which the ] changed to “pompion” and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, “pumpkin.” <ref>The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com>.</ref>
The origin of pumpkins is not known, although pumpkins are thought to have originated in ]. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 B.C., were found in ]. <ref>The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com>.</ref><ref>"Pumpkin." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 2004. Credo Reference. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/4294972>.</ref>
Pumpkins are a ]-like fruit that range in size (less than 1 pound to over 1000 pounds), shape, color, and appearance (smooth or ribbed). <ref>Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.</ref>

Since some ] share the same botanical classifications as pumpkins, the names are frequently used interchangeably. In general, pumpkins have stems which are firmer, more rigid, pricklier, have a +/- 5 degree angle, and are squarer in shape than squash stems which are generally softer, more rounded, and more flared where joined to the fruit. <ref name="Van_Sci_Enc"> cucurbitaceae. (1995). In ''Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia'' (8th ed.). New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. </ref> <ref name="Americana"> pumpkin. (1992). In ''The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition''. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated. </ref>

Pumpkins generally weigh 9–18 ] (4–8 ]) with the largest (of the species ''C. maxima'') capable of reaching a weight of over 75 lbs (34 kg).<ref name="Britannica"> pumpkin. (2007). In ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. Retrieved November 28, 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9061895.</ref> The pumpkin varies greatly in shape, ranging from ] through oblong. The rind is smooth and usually lightly ribbed.<ref name="Britannica"/>
Although pumpkins are usually orange or yellow,<ref name="Americana"/> some fruits are dark green, pale green, orange-yellow, white, red and gray.<ref>Pumpkin Nook: .</ref>

Pumpkins are angiosperms, having both male and female flowers, the latter distinguished by the small ovary at the base of the petals. These bright and colorful flowers have extremely short life spans, and may only open for as short a time as one day. {{Fact|date=November 2007}} The color of pumpkins is derived from the orange pigments abundant in them. The main nutrients are lutein, and both alpha- and beta- carotene. Their purpose is to generate vitamin A in the body. {{Fact|date=November 2007}}

==Taxonomy==
]
'''Pumpkin''' is the fruit of the species '']'' or ''Cucurbita mixta''. It can refer to a specific variety of the species '']'' or '']'', which are all of the genus '']'' and the family '']''. <ref name="itis"/>

In Korea and Japan, the word translating to "pumpkin" (but more accurately referring to the black ''C. moschata'' squashes) is used as a slang term for an unattractive woman. In the ] and Midwest, however, the term "pumpkin" is sometimes used as an endearment.

==Distribution and Habitation==
Pumpkins are grown all around the world for a variety of reasons ranging from ] purposes (animal feed) to commercial and ornamental sales. <ref>Wolford, Ron, and Drusilla Banks. Pumpkins and More. 2008. University of Illinois Extension. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins>.</ref> Out of the seven continents only ] is unable to produce pumpkins, the biggest international producers of pumpkins include the ], ], ], and ]. <ref>The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com>.</ref><ref>"Pumpkin Seeds." World's Healthiest Foods. 2008. The George Mateljan Foundation. 11 Feb. 2008 <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=food&spicedbid=82#healthbenefits>.</ref> The pumpkin capital of the world is ]. <ref>The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com>.</ref> The traditional American pumpkin is the Connecticut Field variety. <ref>The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com>.</ref>

Although native to the ], pumpkins are cultivated in ], continental ], ], ], ] and some other countries.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} The pumpkin is the state fruit of ].

==Ecology==
===Cultivation in the US===
{{main|Pumpkin cultivation}}
]
]
As one of the most popular crops in the ], 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced each year. <ref>Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.</ref> The top pumpkin producing states in the U.S. include ], ], ], and ]. <ref>Wolford, Ron, and Drusilla Banks. Pumpkins and More. 2008. University of Illinois Extension. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins>. </ref>
Pumpkins are a warm weather crop that are usually planted in early July. The specific conditions necessary for growing pumpkins require that soil temperatures 3 inches deep are at least 60 degrees ], and soil that holds water well. Pumpkin crops may suffer if there is a lack of water or due to cold temperatures (in this case, below 65 degrees; frost can be detrimental), and sandy soil or soil with poor water filtration. <ref>Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>. </ref>

Pumpkins produce both a male and female flower; ] play a significant role in ]. <ref>Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>. </ref>Pumpkins have historically been ] by the native ] ''Peponapis pruinosa'', but this bee has ], probably due to ] sensitivity, and today most commercial plantings are pollinated by ]s. One hive per acre (4,000 m² per hive) is recommended by the United States of America (US) Department of Agriculture. If there are inadequate bees for pollination, gardeners often have to ]. Inadequately pollinated pumpkins usually start growing but abort before full development. An opportunistic ] is also sometimes blamed for abortions.

===Giant Pumpkins===
The largest pumpkins are ''Cucurbita maxima''. They were culminated from the hubbard squash genotype, crossed with kabocha-pumpkin types by enthusiast farmers through intermittent effort since the early 1800s. As such germplasm is commercially provocative, a U.S. legal right was granted for the rounder phenotypes, levying them as constituting a variety, with the appellation "]." Processually this phenotype graduated back into the public domain, except now it had the name Atlantic Giant on its record (see USDA PVP # 8500204).

“Weigh-off” competitions for giant pumpkins are a popular festival activity. 460 pounds held the world record for the largest pumpkin until 1981 when Howard Dill(of ]) broke the record with a pumpkin near 500 pounds. Dill patented the seeds used to grow this giant pumpkin, deeming them Dill’s Atlantic Giant seeds, and drawing growers from around the world. ] is accredited for all of the giant pumpkins today, most of which are borne from crossing and re-crossing his patented seed with other varieties. <ref>Raver, Anne. "In the Pumpkin Patch, an Orange Thumb." New York Times 18 Oct. 2007, sec. F: 6. </ref>
By 1994 the Giant Pumpkin crossed the 1000 pound mark. In September of 2007, Joe Jutras (of ]) obtained the title of world’s largest pumpkin with a 1,689 pound, “]” colored giant of his own. He is currently said to be working on producing a giant orange pumpkin, as orange pumpkins tend to be smaller and have thinner shells, but are more desirable in appearance. <ref>Raver, Anne. "In the Pumpkin Patch, an Orange Thumb." New York Times 18 Oct. 2007, sec. F: 6. </ref>

Pumpkins are capable of growing extremely large with the proper attention and care. The world record pumpkin weighs 1689 lbs <ref name="nook"> PumpkinNook (n.d.) World Record Giant Pumpkin. Retrieved December 1, 2007, from http://pumpkinnook.com/giants/giantpumpkins.htm </ref>. The 2007 record pumpkin was grown in Rhode Island and weighed at the Topsfield Fair GPC in Topsfield, Massachusetts <ref name="nook"/>. The growth of enormous pumpkins is being cultivated by hybridizing their seeds {{Fact|date=December 2007}}.

==Uses==
===Cooking===
{{nutritionalvalue | name=Pumpkin, raw| kJ=56| protein=1.0 g | fat=0.1 g | satfat=0.05 g | monofat=0.01 g | polyfat=0.01 g | carbs=6.5 g | fiber=0.5 g | | sugars=1.36 g | sodium_mg=1 | iron_mg=0.8 | calcium_mg=21 | magnesium_mg=12 | phosphorus_mg=44 | potassium_mg=340 | zinc_mg=0.32 | vitA_ug= 369| betacarotene_ug=3100 |vitC_mg=9 | vitE_mg=1.06 | vitK_mcg=1.1 | pantothenic_mg=0.298 | vitB6_mg=0.061 | folate_ug=16 | thiamin_mg=0.05 | riboflavin_mg=0.110 | niacin_mg=0.6 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }}
Pumpkins are very versatile in their uses for cooking, from the fleshy shell, to the seeds, to even the flowers, most parts of the pumpkin are edible. Traditionally, pumpkin is a very popular ] and ] staple. Although most people use store bought canned pumpkin, home made pumpkin puree can serve the same purpose. <ref>Roberts, Tammy. "The Many Uses of Pumpkin." Food & Fitness 7 Aug. 2006. 10 Feb. 2008 <http://www.missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut107.htm>. </ref>

When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. Often, it is made into various kinds of ] which is a traditional staple of the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holiday. Pumpkins that are still small and green may be eaten in the same way as the vegetable ]/]. Pumpkins can also be eaten ] or incorporated into ]. In the ], pumpkin is used for sweet dishes; a well-known sweet delicacy is called ''halawa yaqtin''. In South Asian countries like ], pumpkin is cooked with butter, sugar, and spices; this dish is called ''kadu ka halwa''. In ], pumpkin is often roasted in conjunction with other vegetables. In ], small pumpkins are served in savory dishes, including ]. In ], small pumpkins are steamed with custard inside and served as a ]. Finally, pumpkin can be used to flavor both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

===Pumpkin seeds===
{{Main|Pepita}}
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are small, flat, green, edible seeds. Most pumpkin seeds are covered by a white husk, although some pumpkin varieties produce seeds without them. Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack that can be found hulled or semi-hulled at most grocery stores, however, roasting pumpkin seeds (usually scooped out of ]s) is a popular ] treat. Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, some of which include a good source of ], ] and other ], and are even said to lower ]. <ref>"Pumpkin Seeds." World's Healthiest Foods. 2008. The George Mateljan Foundation. 11 Feb. 2008 <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=food&spicedbid=82#healthbenefits>. </ref> One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much ] as a full glass of milk.<ref>""</ref>

====Pumpkin seed oil====
{{Main|Pumpkin seed oil}}
] is a thick, green oil that is produced from roasted pumpkin seeds. When used for cooking or as a salad dressing, pumpkin seed oil is generally mixed with other oils because of its robust flavor. <ref>Tyler Herbst, Sharon. The New Food Lover's Companion. 3rd ed. Barron_ 2001. Pumpkin Seed Oil. 14 Feb. 2008 <http://www.credoreference.coom/entry/5068383>. </ref> It is used in cooking in central and eastern ], and long believed to be a folk remedy for ] problems, has in fact been shown to combat ].<ref name="whfoods"></ref>

==Activities involving pumpkins==
===Halloween===
] for ].]]
Pumpkins are commonly carved into decorative lanterns called ]s for the ] season in North America.

Throughout Britain and Ireland, there is a long tradition of carving lanterns from vegetables, particularly the ], ], or ].<ref>They continue to be popular choices today as carved lanterns in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although the British purchased a million pumpkins for Halloween in 2004. "", ''BBC'', 31 October 2005. Retrieved on 19 October 2006. "", ''BBC'', 28 October 2005. Retrieved 23 September 2007.</ref> But not until 1837 does ''jack-o'-lantern'' appear as a term for a carved vegetable lantern,<ref>], "The Great Carbuncle," in '']'', 1837:
:Hide it under thy cloak, say'st thou? Why, it will gleam through the holes, and make thee look like a jack-o'-lantern!</ref> and the carved lantern does not become associated specifically with Halloween until 1866.<ref>''Daily News'' (Kingston, Ontario), November 1, 1866:
:The old time custom of keeping up Hallowe'en was not forgotten last night by the youngsters of the city. They had their maskings and their merry-makings, and perambulated the streets after dark in a way which was no doubt amusing to themselves. There was a great sacrifice of pumpkins from which to make transparent heads and face, lighted up by the unfailing two inches of tallow candle.
Agnes Carr Sage, "Halloween Sports and Customs," ''Harper's Young People'', October 27, 1885, p. 828:
:It is an ancient Scottish custom to light great bonfires on Halloween, and carry blazing fagots about on long poles; but in place of this American boys delight in the funny grinning jack-o'-lanterns made of huge yellow pumpkins with a candle inside.</ref> Significantly, both occurred not in Britain or Ireland, but in North America. Historian David J. Skal writes,
:Although every modern chronicle of the holiday repeats the claim that vegetable lanterns were a time-honored component of Halloween celebrations in the British Isles, none gives any ]. In fact, none of the major nineteenth-century chronicles of British holidays and folk customs make any mention whatsoever of carved lanterns in connection with Halloween. Neither do any of the standard works of the early twentieth century.<ref>{{cite book
| first = David J.
| last = Skal
| title = Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween
| location = New York
| publisher = Bloomsbury
| year = 2002
| pages = 32
| id = ISBN 1-58234-230-X
}} The earliest reference to associate carved vegetable lanterns with Halloween in Britain is Ruth Edna Kelley, '''' (1919), Chapter 8, which mentions turnip lanterns in Scotland.</ref>

In America, the carved pumpkin was first associated with the harvest season in general, long before it became an emblem of Halloween.<ref>As late as 1900, an article on Thanksgiving entertaining recommended a lit jack-o'-lantern as part of the festivities. "," ''The New York Times'', Nov. 24, 1895, p. 27. "," ''The New York Times'', Oct. 21, 1900, p. 12.</ref>

On Halloween night, ] of the ] ] waits in a pumpkin patch for "]", a fictional pumpkin which has many of ]'s characteristics. It seems, however, to exist only in his imagination.

] from the movie Tim Burton's ] is titled the ].

===Chucking===
] is a competitive activity in which teams build various mechanical devices designed to throw a pumpkin as far as possible. ]s, ]s, ]s and ]s are the most common mechanisms. Some pumpkin chuckers breed and grow special varieties of pumpkin under specialized conditions in order to improve the pumpkin's chances of surviving a throw.

===Pumpkin festivals and competitions===
]
Pumpkin growers often compete to see whose pumpkins are the most massive. Festivals are often dedicated to the pumpkin and these competitions.

], holds a big festival each year, the ]. ], holds the annual Pumpkin and Arts Festival, drawing over 250,000 visitors each year and including the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off.<ref>History of Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival</ref> Farmers from all over the west compete to determine who can grow the greatest gourd <ref>Gargantuan Gourd Weigh-Off</ref>. The winning pumpkin regularly tops the scale at more than 1200 pounds. (The world record pumpkin in 2007 was grown by Joe Jutras in Topsfield, Massachusetts.<ref></ref>) ], the self-declared pumpkin capital of the world,<ref name="morton"></ref> has held a Pumpkin Festival since 1966. The town, where ]'s pumpkin packing plant is located (and where 90% of canned pumpkins eaten in the US are processed) carved and lit pumpkins in one place, a record which the town held for several years before losing it to ] in 2006. A large contributor of pumpkins to the festival is local ] which hosts an event called "Pumpkin ]" on their main quad. Usually held the day before the festival itself, Pumpkin Lobotomy has the air of a large party, with the school providing pumpkins and carving instruments alike (though some students prefer to use their own) and music provided by college radio station, WKNH.

==See also==
{{commonscat|Pumpkin}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Pumpkin with stalk.jpg|Pumpkin attached to a stalk
Image:Giant_Pumpkin_Species.jpg|Common "Giant" Pumpkin variety
Image:FemalePumpkinFlower_closed_small.jpg|Immature Female Pumpkin Flower
Image:Garden_jul2006_small.JPG|Male Pumpkin Flower (Open)
Image:painted pumpkins.jpg|Painted mini pumpkins on display in ], ]
Image:Keene pumpkin festival 1.jpg|A few of the tens of thousands of pumpkins on display at the 2000 Keene ]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}
* , The George Mateljan Foundation.
* , Illinois Department of Agriculture.
* , bigpumpkins.com.
* , list of world records.

==External links==
* - Pics of 150 varieties from The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur, IL
* - backyardgardener.com, site focused on North-Eastern U.S.
* describes several varieties available in Australia.
* - American pumpkin varieties, arranged by species.
* - Recipe suggestions for pumpkins.
*

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Revision as of 01:55, 20 April 2008

your mama