"Fruit" of the Month
Pumpkin
The pumpkin is a member of the squash family and native to North America. They are also one of the oldest domesticated plants, having been used as early as 7,500 to 5,000 BC. The top pumpkin states include Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
Pumpkin is an excellent source of Provitamin A beto-carotene and Vitamin A. Pumpkins are 92% water, 0.1% fat, and 1% protein.
Pumpkin supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of diabetes. It is also rich in antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals.
Canned pumpkin is often recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that experience digestive ailments as the high fiber content aids proper digestion.
Raw pumpkin can also be fed to poultry, as a supplement to regular feed, during the winter to help maintain egg production, which usually drops during the colder months.
2020 Largest Pumpkin Weighoff Festivals - North America
The largest pumpkin in 2019 was 2,517 lbs, grown by Karl and Beverly Haist in Clarence Center, NY.
The leader (at the moment, early September, 2020) is 1,742 lbs growing by Dale Marshall in Anchorage Alaska.
In order to be in the running, you pretty much need to grow a pumpkin that weighs at least 2,000 lbs.
The pumpkin is a member of the squash family and native to North America. They are also one of the oldest domesticated plants, having been used as early as 7,500 to 5,000 BC. The top pumpkin states include Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
Pumpkin is an excellent source of Provitamin A beto-carotene and Vitamin A. Pumpkins are 92% water, 0.1% fat, and 1% protein.
Pumpkin supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of diabetes. It is also rich in antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals.
Canned pumpkin is often recommended by veterinarians as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that experience digestive ailments as the high fiber content aids proper digestion.
Raw pumpkin can also be fed to poultry, as a supplement to regular feed, during the winter to help maintain egg production, which usually drops during the colder months.
2020 Largest Pumpkin Weighoff Festivals - North America
The largest pumpkin in 2019 was 2,517 lbs, grown by Karl and Beverly Haist in Clarence Center, NY.
The leader (at the moment, early September, 2020) is 1,742 lbs growing by Dale Marshall in Anchorage Alaska.
In order to be in the running, you pretty much need to grow a pumpkin that weighs at least 2,000 lbs.
Pumpkin Bread, By Cindy Davis (CG Gardener)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 7” x 3” loaf pans.*
Ingredients:
- 15-oz can pumpkin puree or fresh pumpkin
- 4 eggs
- 1 C vegetable oil
- 2/3 C water
- 3 C white sugar
- 3-1/2 C all-purpose flour
- 2 t baking soda
- 1/4 t salt
- 1 t ground cinnamon
- 1 t ground nutmeg
- 1/2 t ground cloves
- 1/4 t ground ginger
Instructions:
- In large mixing bowl mix together pumpkin, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until smooth and blended.
- Pour into prepared pans.
*Note: Can be baked in muffin form as well -
Large muffin pan (6) estimate 14-16 muffins
Small muffin pan (12) estimate 2 dozen muffins
