Pumpkin
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For other uses, see Pumpkin (disambiguation).
Pumpkin is a gourd-like squash of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae (which also includes gourds).[1] It can refer to either species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta, and sometimes to a specific variety of either the species Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata.
DescriptionSince some squash 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. [2] [3] Pumpkins generally weigh 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) with the largest (of the species C. maxima) capable of reaching a weight of over 75 lbs (34 kg).[4] The pumpkin varies greatly in shape, ranging from oblate through oblong. The rind is smooth and usually lightly ribbed.[4] Although pumpkins are usually orange or yellow,[3] some fruits are dark green, pale green, orange-yellow, white, red and gray.[5] 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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed] TaxonomyImage:Pumpkin stem.jpg
A pumpkin stem
Pumpkin is the fruit of the species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta. It can refer to a specific variety of the species Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata, which are all of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae. [1] 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 American South and Midwest, however, the term "pumpkin" is sometimes used as an endearment. Distribution and HabitationAlthough native to the Western hemisphere, pumpkins are cultivated in North America, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India and some other countries.[citation needed] The pumpkin is the state fruit of New Hampshire. EcologyCultivation in the USImage:Pumpkins Field.jpg
Pumpkins growing in a field
Pumpkins have historically been pollinated by the native squash bee Peponapis pruinosa, but this bee has declined, probably due to pesticide sensitivity, and today most commercial plantings are pollinated by honeybees. 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 hand pollinate. Inadequately pollinated pumpkins usually start growing but abort before full development. An opportunistic fungus is also sometimes blamed for abortions. Giant PumpkinsPumpkins are capable of growing extremely large with the proper attention and care. The world record pumpkin weighs 1689 lbs [6]. The 2007 record pumpkin was grown in Rhode Island and weighed at the Topsfield Fair GPC in Topsfield, Massachusetts [6]. The growth of enormous pumpkins is being cultivated by hybridizing their seeds[citation needed]. 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 "Atlantic Giant." Processually this phenotype graduated back into the public domain, except now it had the name Atlantic Giant on its record (see USDA PVP # 8500204). UsesCooking
When ripe, the pumpkin is very versatile. It can be boiled, baked, or roasted. Often, it is made into various kinds of pie 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 marrow/zucchini. Pumpkins can also be eaten mashed or incorporated into soup. In the Middle East, pumpkin is used for sweet dishes; a well-known sweet delicacy is called halawa yaqtin. In South Asian countries like India, pumpkin is cooked with butter, sugar, and spices; this dish is called kadu ka halwa. In Australia, pumpkin is often roasted in conjunction with other vegetables. In Japan, small pumpkins are served in savory dishes, including tempura. In Thailand, small pumpkins are steamed with custard inside and served as a dessert. Finally, pumpkin can be used to flavor both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Pumpkin seedsRemoving the white hull of the pumpkin seed reveals an edible, green-colored seed inside. These hulled or semi-hulled seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack (also known as pepitas), similar to sunflower seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of iron, zinc, essential fatty acids, potassium, and magnesium.[citations needed] One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much tryptophan as a full glass of milk.[7] Multiplying the number of fruiting sections in a field pumpkin (C. pepo variety) by 16 gives roughly the number of seeds in the pumpkin (give or take 10 or so).[dubious ] Guessing the number of seeds in the pumpkin is a game sometimes played by children.[citation needed] Pumpkin seed oilThe oil of pumpkin seeds, used in cooking in central and eastern Europe, and long believed to be a folk remedy for prostate problems, has in fact been shown to combat benign prostatic hyperplasia.[8] Activities involving pumpkinsHalloweenImage:Pumpkin.Halloween.jpg
A pumpkin carved into a Jack-o'-lantern for Halloween.
Pumpkins are commonly carved into decorative lanterns called jack-o'-lanterns for the Halloween season in North America. Throughout Britain and Ireland, there is a long tradition of carving lanterns from vegetables, particularly the turnip, mangelwurzel, or swede.[9] But not until 1837 does jack-o'-lantern appear as a term for a carved vegetable lantern,[10] and the carved lantern does not become associated specifically with Halloween until 1866.[11] Significantly, both occurred not in Britain or Ireland, but in North America. Historian David J. Skal writes,
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