Episode 27: Pumpkins

KaraNovemberSeason 2"You Are What You Eat"PumpkinsAutumn2025
Written By Kara Nyhan

Gourd Vibes Only

Part 4 of Our Mini-Series: “You Are What You Eat”

Welcome to the final episode of 2025! To “round out” the year, we are telling the tale of pumpkins, North America’s favorite native gourd/squash! While most know for its use in pies and lattes, pumpkin has a long and diverse history! It is likely one of the oldest domesticated foods in the Americas. So join us in celebrating the end of autumn with a deep dive on these famous gourds!

Discussion Includes:

  • Scientific Biology Overview

  • Agricultural Overview

  • Ancient History of Pumpkins

  • Colonization of Pumpkins

  • Pumpkin Fun Facts!

© Wolf & Stag Productions LLC, 2025

Images:

All Images Are Used For Commentary, Analysis, and Education Purposes under the Fair Use Act

References:

  • Chappell, B. (2025, October 8). Pumpkin: A favorite sign of fall, with a bit of shady history. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/10/08/nx-s1-5563776/pumpkin-word-origin-history?utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=bsky.app&utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social

  • 10 things you probably didn’t know about pumpkins. (2018, October 25). University of California. https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-pumpkins

  • Johnson, E. (2025, June 2). A British history of Pumpkins - more than just Halloween. Rhug Estate. https://rhug.co.uk/journal/a-british-history-of-pumpkins?srsltid=AfmBOorlV8aQBIzqoMOJybx8hv82JJBT_n2NWoyBR-DZToeWXUAhfpF-

  • Aliseda, A. (2023, October 25). The Mexican origin of pumpkins - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/delos/story/2023-10-20/pumpkin-origins-mexico-fall

  • Wikipedia contributors. (2025, November 1). Pumpkin. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin

  • Division of Plant Sciences, plantsciweb@missouri.edu. (n.d.). Pumpkin: A Brief History (David Trinklein). https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2013/10/Pumpkin-A-Brief-History/

  • Shurtleff, J. (2023, October 10). The Historic Pumpkin — Woodstock History Center. Woodstock History Center. https://www.woodstockhistorycenter.org/articles/2023/10/10/the-historic-pumpkin

  • SciTechDaily. (2025, October 31). Scientists finally discover why pumpkins absorb pollution. SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-finally-discover-why-pumpkins-absorb-pollution/

  • https://thejackolanternworld.com/lemont

  • Kelly, N. (2012, January 24). A language comes home for Thanksgiving. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wampanoag-language_b_1107722

  • Hill, M. (2025, October 27). The Giant Pumpkin World Record Just Crept Closer to 3,000 Pounds. Here's How Science, Sweat and 'Soul Crush' Keep Growers Reaching for the Heaviest Fruit Possible. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-giant-pumpkin-world-record-just-crept-closer-to-3000-pounds-heres-how-science-sweat-and-soul-crush-keep-growers-reaching-for-the-heaviest-fruit-possible-180987563/

  • Pumpkoo. (2025, July 20). Giants Pumpkin pie record. PumpkinNook. https://www.pumpkinnook.com/giants/pumpkinpierecord.htm

  • Hughes, P. (2025, October 8). Lymington twins squash world record for biggest pumpkin. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgj19v2vex8o

Kara Nyhan

I am a graphic designer, film producing & director, and small business entrepreneur. My work focus is on creative and arts organizations and individuals, helping to create graphics, marketing materials, branding, and websites that fit their needs. I have a B.A. in Graphic Design and a M.B.A with a focus in entrepreneurship. Currently, I do business as Lore Art & Design.

https://www.lore-art-design.com
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Episode 26: The Edmund Fitzgerald