Pumpkin (39)

National Pumpkin Day

National Pumpkin Day is a nonofficial holiday which falls on October 26th and is celebrated annually. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate and give thanks for that squash cultivator that is such an integral part of American culture. The pumpkin is not only delicious but it is also one of the main symbols of Halloween in the U.S and is a central element in many fall festivals, events, and contests. A popular event featuring the humble pumpkin is “Pumpkin Chunking.” This event involves teams building a multitude of different mechanical devices that are all intended to throw a pumpkin as far as possible. Some of the devices constructed for Pumpkin Chunking Competitions include air cannons, trebuchets, catapults and even ballistas. With their popularity increasing each and every year, it really shouldn’t be a surprise that this orange squash has its own holiday.

(1:01) "Scared Kitten, Halloween Decoration"


Because it has pumpkins on it?

Pumpkin shines bright in nondessert dishes

I'm not quite sure why pumpkin has been mostly relegated to the sweets category in the United States, but like its winter squash cousins, it easily goes savory, too. Pumpkin is delicious simply roasted, just as you would a butternut or kabocha squash: halved and seeded, brushed with a little oil, sprinkled with salt and oven-roasted until fork tender. Just be sure to buy the smaller "sugar" pumpkins for cooking, which are creamier than their larger, watery, fibrous carving cousins.