As we slide from September into October, the change in seasons sees many of us reaching for squash and pumpkin to bulk up our soups, stews and autumnal salads. Though they can grow here, these tough-shelled softies are not native to Ireland. So what’s the story behind the squash and how did it end up on our shores?
Are there pumpkins in Ireland?
An increasingly popular activity to do before Halloween is to visit a pumpkin patch to pick your own, ready for carving for the big night. And this activity is becoming ever more popular in Ireland.
Where did pumpkins originate?
Scientists believe that pumpkins originated in North America about 9000 years ago. The oldest pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back to somewhere between 7000-5550 B.C.. Pumpkins (along with other forms of squash) were a historically important food staple among Native Americans.
Where do pumpkins grow naturally?
Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini. These plants are native to Central America and Mexico, but now grow on six continents—all but Antarctica.
What is squash in Ireland?
Irish Squash is the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of squash in Ireland and is officially recognized as such by Sport Ireland. It is made up of a voluntary board elected each year at an AGM. Our Governance Documentation includes: Privacy Policy.
What is pumpkin in Irish?
pumpkin. More Irish words for pumpkin. puimcín noun. pumpkin.
Where did the jack o lantern originate?
Ireland
Although the legendary Headless Horseman and his hurled pumpkin have been scaring Americans for generations, jack-o’-lanterns actually trace their origins back centuries to Old World traditions in countries including Ireland, England, and Scotland.
Are pumpkins native to Europe?
Pumpkins are native to North America, and had been used by Native Americans for centuries prior to the arrival of European settlers, who both adopted them into their diet and brought them back to Europe.
When was pumpkin introduced to Europe?
16th century
Pumpkins, or ‘pumpions’ as they were once called, came to Europe during the 16th century, were introduced to Tudor England by the French, and were incorporated into pie fillings quite quickly.
Are pumpkins native to the UK?
Today, two of the most common – and enjoyable – Halloween activities involve carving spine-chilling faces into pumpkins and dressing up in blood-curdling costumes to go trick or treating. Both are often said to be American imports. Wrong! Instead, they have their origins here in England, Ireland and Scotland.
Where is the pumpkin capital of the world?
Morton, Illinois
In 1978, the Governor of Illinois signed a proclamation that Morton, Illinois was the “Pumpkin Capital of the World” since 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin was processed at their Libby’s Pumpkin plant.
Are pumpkins invasive?
However, the larger the pumpkin, the larger and more invasive the vines can be.
What country grows the most pumpkins?
China
The top producer of pumpkins is China with 7.7 million tons, followed by India (5 million tons), Russia (1.2 million tons), Ukraine (1.2 million tons) and USA (1 million tons tons). Mexico, Indonesia, Italy, Cuba and Turkey complete the top 10.
Where are squash native to?
From its wild origins in Central America and Mexico to the hundreds of different varieties grown around the world today, the squash family includes some of the largest and most diverse fruits in the plant kingdom and is a significant source of food for many cultures.
Who invented squash?
Squash has its origins in the older game of rackets which was played in London’s prisons in the 19th century. Later, around 1830, boys at Harrow School noticed that a punctured ball, which “squashed” on impact with the wall, offered more variety to the game. The game spread to other schools.
Are squashes gourds?
The main difference between squash (includes pumpkins) and gourds is that squash is grown and harvested to eat while gourds are grown and cultivated for decoration purposes. The first squash is said to have been planted in Mexico about 10,000 years ago! Native Americans harvested them too.
How do you say pumpkin in Italian?
The Italian language has a single term for pumpkin, squash and gourd and that is zucca (feminine, plural: zucche).
Why did the Celts carve jack o lanterns?
To ward off unwelcome ghosts, ghouls and monsters, people in Ireland and other Celtic areas carved lanterns out of produce including radishes, beets and (the most popular option) turnips.
Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?
In Ireland, people started to carve demonic faces out of turnips to frighten away Jack’s wandering soul. When Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they began carving jack-o’-lanterns from pumpkins, as these were native to the region.
Why is pumpkin symbol of Halloween?
In the 19th century, when a lot of Irish immigrated to the United States, they brought the Halloween tradition of using vegetables to scare the spirits away. In America, the Irish discovered a new vegetable, the pumpkin, which is harvested in the fall, and began using it to scare the evil spirits.
When was pumpkin introduced to England?
Recognizing the value of the pumpkin, the first explorers of the New World brought pumpkins home with them to Europe and, around the mid-1500s, pumpkins were cultivated in England (pumpions), and France (pompons).
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.