More than just Halloween and pie

May 2006 with one last survivor from 2005
Most American’s knowledge of pumpkins pretty much ends after the Halloween carving project and Thanksgiving dessert is over. However, pumpkins have much more to offer . The seeds are both high in protein and rich in a highly nutritious, flavorful oil.
Pumpkins – the early years

Behold! Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkins are true American originals. Although other species of pumpkins exist in different parts of the world, the variety we know best for jack-o’-lanterns and pie is known to botonists as Cucurbita pepo. Found in parts of the US and Mexico, it was domesticated by the American Indians.
Pumpkins & Christopher Columbus

1492 – Columbus vogueing in front of Ferdinand & Isabella of Spain will presenting pumpkins
“In fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” and discovered pumpkins. Well, of course he didn’t “discover” pumpkins anymore than he had “discovered” the continent or its peoples but he was the first European to witness the use of pumpkins, widely grown in the southern parts of the US and Caribbean. Columbus made two trips to the new world and he was impressed enough with pumpkins that he took them back with him to Europe on his very first trip.
A star is born, pumpkins get the royal treatment
Pumpkins along with the gold and other treasures from the new world were presented to Columbus’ sponsors, the King & Queen of Spain. Sure there was some interest in the gold but it was really the pumpkins that got everyone excited. Ok, that last part is totally made up but it does seem that pumpkins were well received because by the 1600’s they were being grown across Europe.
Austrians knows a good thing when they see it
Mutant Pumpkins
Back to the USA !
It is high time that Americans get with it and reclaim our own native pumpkin. Hay River Pumpkin Seed Oil is the very first grown and pressed in the United States. Although most people have never even heard of it, that is going to be changing quickly because of one strong reason – it is absolutely delicious!