Today, October 26, 2016, is National Pumpkin Day. As soon as the cold air begins to settle in here in Michigan, everyone goes crazy over pumpkin-flavored foods and beverages. I personally tried a pumpkin spice latte which was okay. But I admit I am still hot tea type of person.

Since today is National Pumpkin Day, I decided to look up different facts about pumpkins.

According to the Pumpkin Patch, pumpkins are actually a good source or potassium and Vitamin A. No wonder, Pumpkin Juice was so popular at Hogwarts. Along with vitamins, the facts about pumpkins are very interesting.

• The flowers on a pumpkin plant are actually edible.
• Weighing over 350 pounds and five feet in diameter, the largest pumpkin pie required six hours of baking time. Requiring 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, and 12 eggs, the largest pumpkin pie was a sight to see. I think the large pumpkin pie would satisfy anyone’s craving.
• Pumpkins were actually referred to as “isqoutm squash: by Native Americans.
• Pumpkins are part of the gourd family
• According to Guinness World Records, the largest pumpkin weighed in at 2,323 pounds (1,054 kg). I cannot imagine trying to turn that large of a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.

Wondering how to celebrate National Pumpkin Day? How about carving pumpkins? I currently have three pumpkins on my porch. My favorite one is small, orange and bumpy. I am sure it’s more along the gourd variety than a pumpkin. I just love it for the oddness. I have not found the inspiration to carve them yet. But who knows, maybe with National Pumpkin Day, I will.

Until next time…peace

Sources:

Guinness World Records., (2016). Heaviest pumpkin. Retrieved from:

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-pumpkin

The Pumpkin Patch, (2016). Unusual pumpkin facts., Retrieved from:

http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/facts.html