Pumpkins have been planted in the United States, particularly North America, for over 5,000 years. The growing of pumpkins is thus an important agricultural activity in the U.S. In this regard; certain conditions have to be fulfilled while planting these fruits.The seeds must be planted between the last week of May and the middle of June because they take between 90 and 120 days to mature. Here are essential facts about the fruit that you should know.
1. Fascinating Facts Everyone Should Know
The fruit’s seeds are grown in each continent except Antarctica. In the United States, more than 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced annually. The leading producing states that contribute to this massive production include Indiana, Ohio, California, and Illinois.
In 2017, the fruit-flavored sales in the U.S. increased to more than $414 million. In this regard, individuals have consistently been purchasing flavored items such as cereal, dog food, and coffee.
2. Do Pumpkins Have Health Benefits?
Pumpkin pie and spice lattes come into mind when individuals think about the fruit. However, there is more than you can ask yourself when you think of this important fruit. These questions including inquiring about the health benefits it possesses.
First, the fruit contains different vitamins that may enhance your immunity. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron, which have been proven to help boost the immune system. Pumpkins consumption is important for the preservation of younger-looking skin. Usually, pumpkins contain beta-carotene, which plays an essential role in protecting the skin from the sun’s wrinkle-causing UV rays.
At its core, pumpkins help in weight loss. Pumpkins contains fiber that slows down digestion. Upon its consumption, you will keep feeling fuller for a longer period compared to when you consume other food products.
3. Pumpkins Picking: Choosing the Right Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins picking is among the most important procedures that you should include in your list for activities for kids. As a fun-filled activity of the Fall season, you should learn fundamental ways to pumpkin pick appropriately. Here are the tips for choosing the perfect pumpkins patch.
While picking, you should select totally orange fruits. In most instances, partially green fruits may not ripen further. Additionally, you should consider the size of the fruits depending on their use. Medium pumpkins are suitable for the fruit’s carving whereas small pumpkins are appropriate for cooking.
It is also advisable to examine the fruits entirely for soft spots before harvesting them. If you notice a soft spot on the fruit, you should leave it and go on to the next. Moreover, because the picking process is meant to be fascinating, you should not pick fruits that are too big for you to carry, especially for kids.
4. Pumpkins Picking at Apple Hill Farms in California
Apple Hill situated in California offers multiple activities during the fall season. Usually, apple hill pumpkin patch picking dominates in October. In this regard, Halloween means picking pumpkins for individuals residing near Apple Hill.
Specific farms identified for pumpkin picking include Mill View Ranch, O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch, and Bluestone Meadow. As such, it is recommended to visit these Apple Hill farms for exemplary pumpkin picking experiences in the bright October sun.
5. How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pies
Pies are an important meal during thanksgiving. The different types of pies include homemade apple pies and pumpkin pies. In preparing the fruit’s pie, you will need ingredients such as pumpkins, salt, whipping cream, molasses, and cinnamon.
The first step involves preheating the fruit in the oven. The required preheating heat is 375 Fahrenheit. Removing the stem from the fruit follows. Usually, this procedure involves scraping the inside, therefore, ensuring that you have removed the seeds.
Once the seeds are out, you can slice the fruit proportionally into two pieces, laying them on a rimmed aluminum foil. Baking using canola oil follows. The baking process is effective only if you ensure that the fruit is fork-tender.
6. What You Should Do to Obtain an Easy Pie Crust
For easy pumpkin’s pie crust, you should make the crust in a large bowl. While combining the flour and salt, you should ensure to add in butter and work into the dough until the mixture becomes crumbly.
