RevisedMay 2024
Introduction
Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita genus, along with cucumbers, melons, and squash. However, the term “pumpkin” refers to members of four different species, C. moschata, C. mixta, C. pep, and C. maxima. Pumpkins range in size from less than one pound to more than 1,000 pounds. Miniature-sized pumpkins weigh less than one pound, are marketed fresh and typically are used for decorative purposes. Pie pumpkins range in many sizes, however, the 5- to 10-pound pie pumpkins are most often grown. Pumpkins in the 10- to 25-pound range are primarily used for fall decorations, carved into jack-o-lanterns, but can also be used for processing. Pumpkins above 25 pounds are called giant. Giant pumpkins typically range between 25 to 1,000 pounds in size. The potential size is determined by the variety grown and growing conditions.
Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense crop; a cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 20 percent of the recommended vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. Another pumpkin product, roasted and salted pumpkin seeds and hulled kernels, known as pepitas, are becoming a popular and nutritious snack item. Much like squash blossoms, pumpkin blossoms can also be stuffed and eaten. Even the leaves of pumpkins can be cooked and eaten. The U.S. annual per capita use of pumpkin was 6.44pounds per person in 2020.
Marketing
The U.S. pumpkin market is regarded as limited and seasonal. Pumpkins are grown for processing and fresh for ornamental sales through you-pick farms, farmers’ markets and retail sales. Libby’s (owned by Nestlé Company) have almost 90 percent of the North American market for canned pumpkin with 90 percent of it sold in only 4 months, from October to January. The USDA Economic Research Service reports that the demand for fresh specialty pumpkins continues to expand as consumers look for new and interesting variations. Also, according to Nielsen, the total sales of pumpkin-flavored food, beverages, personal and household goods in supermarkets and convenience stores across the U.S. increased almost 80 percent between 2011 and 2015. Sales of those items totaled more than $360 million in 2015. Additionally,the pumpkin spice industrial complex in 2018 is a more-than $600 million market, up from $500 millionthree years ago.
Production
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, nearly 66,200 acres of pumpkins were harvested in the U.S. in 2020, producing more than 1.5 billion pounds of usable pumpkins with more than 2 billion produced overall. The top nine states together (Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York,Indiana,Michigan, California, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas) produced nearly 75% of that. Approximately 15 percent of the pumpkin acreage is used to make processed pumpkin products. Illinois remains the leading processed pumpkin producing state, producing more than the other 5 leading states combined and about half of the national total. Pumpkin varieties for commercial canning are all Cucurbita. moschata, a tan-colored (rather than orange), firm-fleshed, and elongated fruit. The most common variety used for processed pumpkin is Libby’s Select Dickinson, In 2020,the average pumpkin yield per acre among the top six states was 23,300pounds and ranged considerably from 5,040 to 39,760 pounds.
Prices
Retail prices for all pumpkin varieties in 2020, on average, were up slightly from in 2019. The value of the utilized production of pumpkins in 2020is estimated at $180.3million with the average US farm price for pumpkins approximately 8 cents per pound. Based on the average price per pound and average yield per acre, the estimated “average” gross was $1,928 per acre.
Sources and References
Organic Pumpkin and Winter Squash Marketing and Production (ATTRA, 2010)
Pumpkin Statistics (USDA ERS, 2018)
USDA Quick Stats (USDA NASS, 2018)
Vegetables Annual Summary( USDA NASS, 2021)
Links checked August 2021.
FAQs
“Pumpkins are rich in potassium, which can help regulate your blood pressure, lowering your risk for heart attack and stroke,” said George. “They also contain vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which can help prevent heart disease.”
How long does it take to grow a pumpkin? ›
Different varieties take different amounts of time to ripen. The faster maturing pumpkins are fully colored in 90 to 100 days, while some, like the deeply lobed 'Musquee De Provence' pumpkin, take up to 125 days to mature. The miniature 'Jack Be Little' pumpkin matures in as little as 85 days.
Is A pumpkin a fruit or a Vegetable? ›
Answer. A pumpkin, from a botanist's perspective, is a fruit because it's a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants. Vegetables, on the other hand, are the edible portion of plants such as leaves, stems, roots, bullbs, flowers, and tubers.
How long do pumpkins live? ›
If you keep uncarved pumpkins out of the hot sun or freezing weather, you can expect them to last two to three months–plenty of time to make it through autumn. As to carved pumpkins, they can last as little as a few days, so keep that in mind if you want to display your carved masterpiece on Halloween night.
What makes pumpkins grow so big? ›
Giant pumpkins may expand by up to 50 lb (23 kg) a day. This is made possible by several genetic adaptions. Giant pumpkin cells grow larger than regular pumpkins, and are composed of more water (up to 94%). They also lack genes that stop fruit growth, resulting in continuous expansion.
What does pumpkin do for men? ›
Male Health Benefits
Male Fertility: Pumpkin seeds are a natural boon for men seeking to boost their fertility. Loaded with zinc and essential fatty acids, these seeds can enhance sperm quality, ensuring they are healthy and primed for fertilization.
What happens if you eat pumpkin every day? ›
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.
What does pumpkin do to your brain? ›
Both pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber, and fiber promotes good brain health. A high-fiber diet has been shown to lead to a healthy gut, which leads to positive brain health.
Can you eat pumpkin raw? ›
Although most people prefer eating them cooked or roasted, you can also eat pumpkin and pumpkin seeds raw. Still, key differences set apart raw and cooked varieties, especially in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Is pumpkin good for dogs? ›
Due to its high soluble fiber content, pumpkin is very good for your dog's digestion. If you feed your dog some pumpkin, it will add bulk to their stool. This helps reduce issues with diarrhea. In addition, fermentation of the same fiber produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells.
One country holds the crown of “Pumpkin King”: China. China produces over 9 million tons worldwide per year. India comes in 2nd place, with 5 million tons, and Ukraine takes the 3rd ranking for producing a million tons annually. Together, China and India grow more than 60% of the world's pumpkins.
What are pumpkins 90% of? ›
Pumpkins are 90 percent water The "pumpkin" is referred to in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater and Cinderella.
How old is the pumpkin? ›
Scientists believe that pumpkins originated in North America about 9000 years ago. The oldest pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back to somewhere between 7000-5550 B.C.. Pumpkins (along with other forms of squash) were a historically important food staple among Native Americans.
What are 2 facts about pumpkin seeds? ›
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that may reduce your risk of getting chronic diseases, such as cancer. Pumpkin seeds are rich in many antioxidants, which protect your cells from disease-causing damage and reduce inflammation in your body.
What are 3 types of pumpkins? ›
The four common types are Traditional Orange Pumpkins for carving and decorating, Pie Pumpkins for baking, Giant Pumpkins like the Atlantic Giant for competitions, and decorative varieties like the white Lumina or the small Baby Boo for ornamental use.
