ItÕs your favorite time of year, shifting out of summer into the cooler months of fall. YouÕve enjoyed copious amounts of summer vacations and are now, more than ever, keen to jump into the holiday season. To help get you in the fall mood here are 7 fun facts about pumpkins to keep you going, what more could you ask for?
1. The Word Pumpkin Derives from the Greek Word Pepon
Deriving from the greek word, pepon, the word pumpkin slowly worked itÕs way to the familiar form we know today through the French, English, and then American cultures. Pumpkins were found early on displayed alongside the rivers in America. While they weren’t presented in the popular jack-o-lantern form we see today, there were tall crooked pumpkins with candles in them that shone the way home for those who needed it.
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2. The Largest Pumpkin Pie Weighed 3,699 Pounds
In 2010 New Bremen, Ohio, the record of cooking the largest pumpkin pie was broken weighing in at 3,699 pounds. WhatÕs even more astonishing is that they broke their own guinness world record of having the largest pumpkin pie from 2005. This pumpkin pie was the biggest attraction of the 2010 New Bremen Pumpkinfest. It wouldnÕt surprise many if they try to beat the record again in 5 years time, it seems to be their trend!
3. Pumpkins Grow In Between 90 and 120 Days
If you want to grow your own pumpkin and have it ready for the festivals in October, you should be planting your seeds around the end of May to the middle of June. It takes about 90 to 120 days for a pumpkin to grow, at which time theyÕll be a vibrant orange.
4. Pumpkins Give You X-Ray Vision
They donÕt give you x-ray vision, but if you add pumpkins to your fall diet theyÕll improve your eyesight in no time. If only it was x-ray vision, it couldÕve made your Halloween costume that much cooler.
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5. Pumpkin Carving Started With the Celts
The celtics started pumpkin carving to ward off angry spirits during the festivals which Halloween traditionally derives from. Celtics would hollow out not just pumpkins but also turnips and make wild faces on them before placing a candle inside.
6. Pumpkins Are Low In Calories!
DonÕt worry about all those pumpkin pies you eat during the holidays, they may not be as bad for you afterall. They are full of things like Vitamin A, Vitamin B, potassium, and proteinÐÐwhich are all there to make you feel healthy and strong.
7. Pumpkin Seeds Increase Heart Health
YouÕve got x-ray vision and youÕve just found out that pumpkin pie is healthy, wellÉ take that one with a grain of salt. But did you know pumpkins also aide in your heart health? That means you definitely need to make them a solid part of your fall diet.
Enjoy the transition into fall, add some pumpkins to your daily life, and get in the spirit of the season! ItÕs one of the most beautiful times of year.