Country Roads

It’s pumpkin time! They are ready for picking up in stores, at local markets and in gardens. Yards, porches and homes have fake or real pumpkins on display, adding to the fall spirit. There are the usual real pumpkins, or pumpkins made out of fabric, painted on wood, plastic pumpkins and paper pumpkins. There are pumpkins designed and implemented into quilts, table clothes, pillow covers, wall hangings and wreaths.

For me, it’s the time for a delicious pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin spice creamer to add to my morning cup of coffee.

It surprised me when I researched the history of pumpkin. It is believed that pumpkins originated in North America. The oldest pumpkin seeds were found in Mexico. Technically pumpkins are fruits but related to winter squash and others related are cucumbers and melons.

Pumpkins were an important food staple for Native Americans. Every part of the pumpkin is edible; skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds and even the stems. Pumpkins are 92 percent water and a powerful antioxidant. Its name originally was “peopon” by the Native Americans but early colonists changed the name to pumpkin. New World Colonists soon found various uses of the pumpkin in making pies and breads. Pumpkin spices were popular in Europe and used in foods and medicines. It is supposed that the colonists brought these spices with them and soon incorporated them into their pumpkin creations.

Colonists’ first pumpkin pies were made much like ours today are made. Pumpkin pulp was cooked and strained. Eggs, sugar, milk or cream were added to the pulp, along with spices, cinnamon, ginger and cloves for flavor. All are poured into a crust, and baked. Today’s pie makers have the convenience of using canned pumpkin pulp in making the pies, breads and muffins. No matter how they are made, they are delicious.

So if you are a pumpkin fan, get out and get your pumpkins, decorate and bake with them. Drink the pumpkin spice latte and pour the pumpkin spice creamer into your coffee, as it’s only going to be around for a short time.