The Great Pumpkin Quiz
How much do you know about the bright orange gourds that adorn porches and promise to satisfy sweet cravings every fall? Put yourself to the test and discover whether you really are the jack-o'-lanterns.
How much do you know about the bright orange gourds that adorn porches and promise to satisfy sweet cravings every fall? Put yourself to the test and discover whether you really are the jack-o'-lanterns.
Ron Wallace broke the world record in 2012 with a pumpkin weighing 2,009 pounds. That's a monster of a gourd, more than one ton! Giant pumpkins can grow at a rate of 50 plus pounds a day.
Per the Morton, Ill. Chamber of Commerce 85 percent of LIBBY'S Pumpkin products comes out of its Morton-based food service plant.
Pumpkin seeds are called "pepitas." Roast some up for a healthy snack.
Pumpkin carving originated in Ireland; The Irish carved out turnips and potatoes to commemorate the "Legend of Stingy Jack." As the story goes, Jack was banished by the Devil to roam the earth with only a burning coal placed in a hollow turnip to light his way. When the Irish emigrated to the U.S., they picked up the more prevalent pumpkins to carve.
Pumpkin has made its way into everything from vodka to Pringles. For now, however, even the most loyal followers are not drinking pumpkin Kool-Aid.
In early colonies, pumpkins were cut in half and placed on the head as a template for an even haircut. As a result, some New Englanders earned the nickname "pumpkinheads."
Applying direct heat is a great way to speed up the rotting process. But it sure won't help with preservation like the aforementioned sprays and petroleum jelly mixtures. Other pumpkin-life-extending remedies include white glue and bleach.
Pumpkins are planted in late May to mid June and mature in 60 to 90 days.
You're not quite ready to light up the pumpkin patch. But with the right tools, we know you'll do better next time.
Way to glow! You're just one step away from being the jack-o'-lantern.
As jack-o'-lanterns, your brilliance lights up the night!