Pumpkins' Journey from Ancient Food Staple to Fall Obsession
As October arrives in the U.S., it brings cooler weather, vibrant fall colors, and pumpkin-spiced everything, marking the peak of pumpkin season. Shelley Mitchell, an extension specialist at Oklahoma State University, shares the storied history and prominence of pumpkins today.
Pumpkins come in a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, white, blue, and green, and vary in size and texture, from smooth to warty, and from miniature to giant.
The word "pumpkin" comes from the Greek word "peopon," meaning "large melon."
Botanically, pumpkins are fruits because they contain seeds and belong to the squash family, Cucurbitaceae. As an expert, Mitchell educates people about the plant's history and significance during the annual pumpkin sale at the university's botanic garden.
Author's summary: Pumpkins have a rich history spanning thousands of years.
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