The word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepon for a large melon. The English termed it pumpion or pompion. This term dates back to 1547. In all honesty, I don't ever remember having pumpkin growing up in England.........not until my first Thanksgiving in the US did I try pumpkin pie, and loved it!The pumpkin was one of many foods used by Native American Indians in the new world and was a welcome discovery by the Pilgrims. The Indians pounded strips of pumpkin flat, dried them, and wove them into mats for trading. They also dried pumpkin for food.
The new Americans heartily embraced the sweet, multi-purpose fruit which became a traditional Thanksgiving food.
I was surprised to find such beautiful pumpkins, squash and gourds in France. Apparently they are very popular and the French make wonderful dishes with them. Seemed to be a greater selection available than what we have here. These images are from the Pumpkin Fete we visited in a small village last October.......such fun.
Village wandering one beautiful October day, I noticed this old rusting wheelbarrow. Close by, the biggest pumpkins were waiting patiently for their journey to the kitchen, hopefully to be turned into something delicious, and placed lovingly on the farm table.....that's what French cooks do!
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There is one pumpkin in my garden that I will bring in before we leave. It will be awaiting me when I return along with some lovely squash. I hope you find a lovely white pumpkin this year.
ReplyDeleteIn Italy too pumpkins are largely known, most in the northern part of it. In my hometown one of the most eaten dish is "tortelli alla zucca", a sort of ravioli filled with pumpkins creamy sauce with parmesan cheese, so very good!
ReplyDeleteGracie at http://mylittleplace.blog.com
Hello Dear! I have always had some delicious food made with pumpkins, usually not sweet as pies, but yummy creammy shrimp dishes served in a pumpkin bowl. I also love the green squash shown on the above picture which I call them "chuchu", love their taste on soups and creams. I didn't know nothing about Thanksgiving until I moved to the US and I felt in love with pumpkim pie... How could I not love such a delicious pie like that? Hugs, Vanessa - Hope you're having a great day!
ReplyDeleteI remember the wide varities of pumpkins when we were in Europe. I never knew that there were so many until I found an heirloom seed company that sold them! I do so love the fall time even though the summer brings my favorite flowers! Thank you so much Mary for all of your thoughts and prayers for my daughter too!!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs sent your way,
Ulrike
Lovely squash!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lisa