Pumpkin

The word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepon for a large melon. The English named it pumpion or pompion, a term which dates back to 1547. 

Cultivated Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America and seeds from related plants found in Mexico date back to 5500 B.C.  When the first settlers landed in the US, they found Native American Indians using pumpkin as a staple in their diets. It soon became a staple in the settlers'  diets, too and the seeds were brought back to Europe, where pumpkins soon became popular. The origins of wild form is uncertain.

Pumpkins are now grown all over the world with Antarctica being the sole exception.

Halloween spread throughout Europe in the seventh century and began with "All Hallows Eve", the "Night of the Dead" (31st October) . It's not certain when turnips were replaced by pumpkins, but this was probably because they were larger and much easier to carve. European custom included the lighting of pumpkins with scary faces to ward of evil spirits who roamed abroad during All Hallows Eve.

Once seeds have germinated, they will send up their first leaves, called seed leaves. The true leaves appear next and then yellow flowers blossom start to appear about 4 weeks later, first the male flowers then about a week later, the female flowers. Once both male and female blossoms appear on the vine, bees transfer the pollen between the two.

Pumpkin flesh has no cholesterol, is low in fat and sodium and rich in vitamins, in particular beta carotene and vitamin A. A truly versatile fruit, yes, it is a fruit not a vegetable, it can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. 

The seeds can be dried and oven roasted and served as a snack or fed to birds. Also, pureed pumpkin (recipe below) can be frozen for up to 6 months.