The word pumpkin originates from the Greek word pepon, which means “large melon”. Pumpkin is a squash like fruit that varies in size. They are grown for a vast variety of reasons including agricultural (for animal feed), for decoration purposes, and of course culinary reasons. Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America, but are able to grow worldwide with the exception of Antarctica. The United States alone produces over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin per year! Pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed or even roasted, but puree of pumpkin is the most popular use for this fruit. Pumpkin seeds make for a delicious treat too!