Cultivated Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America and seeds from related plants found in Mexico date back to 5500 B.C. However the the origins of wild form is uncertain.

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. 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. 

Below are some recipes featuring this tasty and we think, underrated ingredient. By the way, 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.

All Hallows Soup     Veg HT SP 40mins

Leek Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup     HT SP 50mins

Sinhalese Curried Pumpkin Veg HT MC ACC Sri Lankan 45mins

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Balsamic Cream Sauce HT MC Italian 50mins

Pork And Pumpkin Stew HT MC Myanmar 80mins plus marinating

Carne Mechada con Zanahorias HT MC Spanish 90mins

Pumpkin Saute Veg HT ACC Mauritian 45mins

Pumpkin Pudding Veg CD DP Egyptian 25mins plus cooling

Custard Pumpkin     Veg HT DP Thai 35mins

Walnut Pumpkin Dessert Veg CD DP Turkish 50mins plus cooling

Peanut Bread Veg HT CD CBF Fijian 80mins