You’ve seen pumpkin crops sprinkled throughout town (likely harvested and at patches by the time you read this). They’re one of the most popular crops in the U.S. — 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced each year. The top producing states in the country include Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and — yep — California. Soon to become jack-o’-lanterns as the symbol of Halloween, pumpkins are also a great source of nutrition, loaded with vitamin A and fiber, and low in calories. Nearly all of the pumpkin is edible — the fleshy shell, seeds, leaves, and even the flowers. It can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. When carved, marvel at it every night and keep it ’til it rots! MIA STEFANKO
