ABBY LANE Pumpkin Facts & Folklore
Beehive in the pumpkin patch
• Biological Facts
Pumpkins belong to the family Cucurbitaceae and are not actually a vegetable but a FRUIT... and a BERRY at that!
Like other berries, the pumpkin is a simple fruit that develops from a single pistil of the flower and has no stone (like a peach) or papery core (like a apple). Unlike other berries, though, the pumpkin has a hard outer shell.
Pumpkins are monoecious, which means they produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers provide pollen for the female flower germination. Beehives are placed in pumpkin fields during the bloom period to ensure adequate pollination.
Pumpkin seeds, also known as "pepitas", are flat, dark green seeds. Some are encased in a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds without shells. Pumpkin seeds have a malleable, chewy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavour. While roasted pumpkins seeds are probably best known for their role as a perennial Halloween treat, these seeds are so delicious, and nutritious, that they can be enjoyed throughout the whole year Read more about their nutritional value below... .
• Historical Facts
Pumpkins, and their seeds, were a celebrated food of the Native American Indians who treasured them both for their culinary and medicinal values. The cultivation of pumpkins spread throughout the world when the European explorers, returning from their journeys, brought back many of the agricultural treasures of the New World. While pumpkin seeds are featured in the recipes of many cultures, they are a special hallmark of traditional Mexican cuisine. Pumpkin seeds have recently become more popular as research suggests that they have unique nutritional and health benefits.
• Nutritional FactsPumpkins, and their seeds, were a celebrated food of the Native American Indians who treasured them both for their culinary and medicinal values. The cultivation of pumpkins spread throughout the world when the European explorers, returning from their journeys, brought back many of the agricultural treasures of the New World. While pumpkin seeds are featured in the recipes of many cultures, they are a special hallmark of traditional Mexican cuisine. Pumpkin seeds have recently become more popular as research suggests that they have unique nutritional and health benefits.
Pumpkins are not just for Halloween: they are good to eat too!
The flesh of the pumpkin itself if also very nutritional. This fruit’s bright orange colour signals a rich source of beta carotene. which is good for skin and eyesight, and encourages overall good health. Pumpkin builds healthy hearts becasue it is high in potassium. Pumpkin is also low in calories (only 30 calories per cup) and high in fibre, which helps to keep you feeling full. You can substitute it in any recipe that calls for squash.
Pumpkin Seeds• Pumpkin seeds are #2 on the "Super Foods" list of foods because they have a significantly higher nutritional value than most others.
• They are high in fiber and protein, and a rich source of vital minerals: phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc.
• Pumpkin seeds are believed to be very beneficial for many health ailments including prostrate health, bone strength, and arthritis relief.
• Pumpkin seeds have the second highest level of phytosterols next to pistachios and sunflower seeds (265 mg/100 g). Phytosterols are compounds that are believed to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol and also improve the body's immune system and decrease risk of certain cancers.
Pumpkin carving of spooky jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween night is typically a North American tradition, but it stems from this old Irish legend and were originally meant to chase away the ghosts that were rumoured to return each 'All Hallows Eve'. The Irish immigrants who first brought this tradition to the Americas knew nothing of pumpkins, their original Jack O'Lanterns were carved into turnips. In the New World it was soon discovered that a pumpkin made a splendid alternative to the turnip.
'Jack O'Lantern' is actually a North American term for a carved pumpkin. As everyone knows, it is associated with Halloween. But what is not so well known, is that it was named after the phenomenon of 'strange light flickering over peat bogs', called ignis fatuus or jack-o'-lantern.
The Legend of 'All Hallows Eve'
In Celtic folklore...
a character named 'Stingy Jack' made a pact with Satan. After having tricked the devil, Jack was denied entrance into either Heaven or Hell. As he was banished to eternal darkness, he was given an ember to light his way, which he placed into a turnip. In Ireland, Scotland and Wales, on 'All Hallows Eve' children carried candle-lit hollowed out turnips with scary faces.
In Celtic folklore... a character named 'Stingy Jack' made a pact with Satan. After having tricked the devil, Jack was denied entrance into either Heaven or Hell. As he was banished to eternal darkness, he was given an ember to light his way, which he placed into a turnip. In Ireland, Scotland and Wales, on 'All Hallows Eve' children carried candle-lit hollowed out turnips with scary faces.