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The Genealogy of Pumpkins

Genealogy is the study of family. Genealogists spend a lot of time doing research about the people who are in their family tree. In some ways, it can be said that foods also have a family tree. Here is a little bit of information about pumpkins, their closest relatives, and their “family history”. The pumpkin is intrinsically associated with Halloween. We carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. We make pumpkin pies, roast pumpkin seeds, and add pumpkin to pastries and coffee. It seemed like the perfect time of year to dig into the family tree of the pumpkin. Pumpkins are a member … Continue reading →

The Genealogy of Giants (Pumpkins, That Is)

Every plant species has a genealogy of its own, and pumpkins are no exception. There are many types of pumpkins and pumpkin-like gourds that we can see everywhere around this time of year. Some are varied shades of orange, some are white, some are carved, and some are decorated with paint or other embellishments. Oh, and some are big. Really, really big. Hundreds and hundreds of pounds of big. Whenever I see one of these giant pumpkins at a fair or other place, I am simply in awe of its size and cannot help but wonder how it got so … Continue reading →

The Celtic Origins of Halloween

In this season of ghosts, monsters, and carved pumpkins, there is scarcely a turnip in sight absent the ones that are in the kitchen awaiting their ultimate fate. What’s this about turnips? Why would I mention turnips in a post about Halloween? Some of my ancestors are of Irish descent, and while I have not yet traced them back as far as the Celts it is interesting to earn about Celtic history and tradition. The Celts used to carve monster faces into turnips to keep evil spirits away. They placed the turnips on their doorsteps with lit candles inside, just … Continue reading →