When the first settlers sailed west on the Atlantic Ocean they found not only a new land but a new diet. Part of this new diet was the pumpkin. The traditional, native way to prepare this new meal was to pop a golden globe one into the ashes of a fire and bake it until it was super tender. There is no historical record of the Indians carving faces on these bright yellow balls but I have always thought their very brightness required a smile.
It was not only tasty but life preserving from starvation as they prepared pumpkin stew, mashed pumpkin and pumpkin beer. They even ate the pumpkin flowers. A favorite saying, often said went like the following. "We have pumpkin in morning and pumpkin at noon. If it were not for pumpkin, we would soon be undone."
The well-known pumpkin pie began in the 17th century. It consisted of milk, eggs and molasses. It has maintained its reputation of exceeding tastefulness for 300 years. It was not to be ignored as it made its way into America's first cookbook. It even doubled its value as a medicine that after steeping in hot water healed problems from tapeworms and other diseases.
It was also used to shape haircuts. A pumpkin shell was placed on the head of hair that would otherwise go astray. Used to guide the cutting, these "pumpkin heads" as they were labeled produced a distinct shaping.
It was an easy crop for lazy farmers to raise. All that was required for a flourishing crop was sun, water, space and simply being left alone to do their own thing. If you wonder whether a pumpkin is a vegetable or fruit, rest assured it falls in the fruit category.
They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They can fit in the palm of your hand or grow to weigh over 1000 pounds. They are used not just for eating but in competition. How far can one catapult a pumpkin? There really is a world famous pumpkin chucking contest. The contraptions used to propel this round yellow food are fascinating. It is not unusual for them to travel over half a mile. The mess they make at the end of such a journey is obvious.
My favorite pumpkin point was written by Aileen Fisher: "We bought a pumpkin big and round that lived the summer through without an eye to look at things ...and now it looks through two. It used to be all dark inside when growing on the vine, but now it has a toothy smile and face that's full of shine.”
What would Thanksgiving be like without the pumpkin? It would be like the sun with all its brightness were missing. Its taste is definitely distinct. And oh yes, though it is appropriate and almost necessary for a Thanksgiving meal it can be eaten and enjoyed anytime.
So when you think pumpkin, think culinary pleasure.