Pumpkins Ms. Zuilhof
What is a pumpkin? A gourd-like squash fruit
Varieties Pumpkins come in many varieties, shapes, and colors!
From where do pumpkins come? Grow on a vine Develop from a flower
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=134153
PUMPKIN PARTS
LEAVES
Leaves Absorb energy from the sun The site of photosynthesis in the pumpkin plant
STEM
Stem Located at the top of the pumpkin Attaches the pumpkin to the vine while growing
RIBS
Ribs The indented ridges that run vertically on the outside of the pumpkin Can be very shallow or deep
SKIN
Skin Thin, shiny outer layer of the pumpkin Usually orange Provides protection from insects and disease
BLOSSOM END
Blossom End The bottom of the pumpkin where the flower was attached during early stages of development
TENDRILS
Tendrils Curly, hair-like attachments sometimes found on the pumpkin vine or stem Green during the growing-stages Twist around objects to help anchor the vine and protect it from the wind
MEAT/ PULP
Pulp/Meat The bulk of the pumpkin used for cooking
SEEDS
Seeds The beginnings of a new pumpkin! The purpose of the pumpkin is to house and protect the seeds
FIBROUS STRANDS
Fibrous Strands The ooey-gooey stringy stuff!
NUTRITION
Pumpkin Nutrition Contains fiber Contains potassium High in beta-carotene Body turns into Vitamin A
Pumpkin Seed Nutrition Source of protein Contains minerals phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and copper
Pumpkin Fun Facts! The name “pumpkin” originated from the Greek word “pepon” meaning “large melon” Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits
Pumpkin Fun Facts! Pumpkins can range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds The largest pumpkin on record weighed over 1,140 pounds!
Pumpkin Fun Facts! 90-95% of pumpkins produced in the U.S. are grown in Illinois 496 million pounds produced in 2008 in Illinois
Pumpkin Fun Facts! Pumpkin seeds are also known as “pepitas”
Origin of Pumpkin Pie Colonists sliced off pumpkin tops, removed the seeds, and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey The pumpkin was then baked in hot ashes
The End