John thought an article on pumpkins would be of interest at this time.

When pumpkins begin to be available around the area I think of fall. Illinois is the number one state for pumpkin production. In the pumpkin capital of Morton, Illinois pumpkins are grown for food. University of Illinois data states over 90% of the processed pumpkins in the United States are grown in Illinois.

Today pumpkins around here are used more for decoration than for food. Although I must admit a good pumpkin pie sounds pretty tasty right now. Some trivia for discussion is that the largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1140 pounds to date.

It is believed pumpkins originated in North America. Seeds were found in Mexico dating back thousands of years. Native Americans found the pumpkins to be a stable food source roasting strips over open fires.

The fun part of pumpkins today is going to a pumpkin farm and picking your favorite pumpkin out. Today there are giants and minis each have their place for fall decoration. Many homes today decorate for fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving with their favorite pumpkin displayed proudly.

If one would like to try and grow pumpkins, they should be planted by early July. There are vining varieties and bush varieties. Bush varieties take up less space where vining plants spread widely. An extensive list of varieties is on the University of Illinois website.

This time of year is a great time to share some quality time picking out a pumpkin. Whethervisiting the local pumpkin farm or grocery; make it a family event. These memories are everlasting and fun.

So get out today and find the one that fits your idea of an ideal pumpkin.