She Strengthens

The Secret Life of Pumpkins: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Beloved Fall Icon

Fall is in the air, and with it comes the unmistakable symbol of the season: the pumpkin. Carved, cooked, and devoured, pumpkins are a staple of autumn celebrations. But have you ever stopped to think about the pumpkin in your pie? You might be surprised to learn that it’s not actually a pumpkin at all.

The Great Pumpkin Deception

Canned pumpkin, the kind you find on grocery store shelves, is actually a type of squash. Yes, you read that right – squash! The FDA doesn’t differentiate between “pumpkin” and “squash” on labels, but there are some key differences between the two. Pumpkins, like the ones you carve for Halloween, have more water in their flesh, stringy fibers, and less natural sweetness, making them less than ideal for baking. Sugar pumpkins, on the other hand, have denser, sweeter flesh, making them perfect for cooking from scratch.

So, what’s in that can? Chances are, it’s Dickinson squash, a variety specifically developed for Libby’s, the leading canned pumpkin brand. This type of squash accounts for a whopping 85% of all canned pumpkin sold in the United States.

A Brief History of Pumpkins

Pumpkins and squash originated in Central America, where they were first cultivated for their flesh. Native North Americans grew them as part of the “Three Sisters” (maize, beans, and squash), and they became an essential staple food for surviving the harsh winters. European explorers brought pumpkin seeds back to their homelands, where they were incorporated into cookbooks and recipes.

The Rise of Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie as we know it today is a relatively recent invention. The earliest recorded recipe dates back to 1796, in American Cookery, the first official American cookbook. The recipe called for stewed pumpkin, eggs, sugar, spices, and cream, baked in a crust. But pumpkin pie wasn’t just a tasty treat – it was also a symbol of politics and culture. New England abolitionists referenced the dessert in anti-slavery novels and poems, while Confederates mocked it during the Civil War.

The Canning Revolution

Industrialization in the 19th century made mass production possible, including canned goods. Libby’s, a meat-canning company, became the first to market canned pumpkin on a large scale. Their famous pumpkin pie recipe first appeared on cans in 1940, and the rest is history.

The Bottom Line

So, does it matter that your pumpkin pie is actually made with squash? Not really. When you’re indulging in a slice of velvety goodness, topped with whipped cream, the difference is hardly worth quibbling over. But now you know the secret behind the beloved fall icon – and that’s something to be thankful for.