Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:23 PM CDT
Pumpkin producing and processing in Illinois
Mary Cox, Coles County Farm Bureau
This fall as you carve your pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern or make a pumpkin pie, more than likely your pumpkin came from right here in Illinois.
Illinois continues to be the top pumpkin producer and processor. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, Illinois now harvests 13,679 acres of pumpkins each year on 502 farms, up from 12,296 acres on 475 farms in 2002.
The top 10 pumpkin producing counties in Illinois are Tazewell, Kankakee, Mason, Logan, Will, Marshall, Kane, Pike, Carroll and Woodford.
In addition, Illinois processed 9,746 acres of pumpkins out of the 13,679 produced here in the state. Most of these pumpkins are taken to Libby’s in Morton or Seneca Foods in Princeville for processing.
Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits. They are considered a fruit and consist of 90 percent water. They are a good source of potassium and Vitamin A.
Pumpkins date back many centuries. The name “pumpkin” originated from the Greek word for large melon, which is “pepon.” “Pepon” was converted into “pompon” by the French and the English changed “pompon” to “pumpion.”
Eventually American colonists began referring to “pumpion” as “pumpkin.”
Native Americans had many uses for pumpkins. They would dry strips of pumpkin and weave them into mats. They would also roast long strips of pumpkin on an open fire and eat them.
The origin of pumpkin pie occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and filled the inside with milk, spices and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in hot ashes.
Today, pumpkins are used to make soup, pies, and bread, along with animal feed, to name a few.
Pumpkins are just one of many crops that Illinois farmers can produce. The soil and climate here in Illinois provide a good place to grow this falltime favorite.
PrimeTimers
The group will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the White House Café in Oakland, with a tour to follow. RSVP at 345-3276 or 234-2125.
Mary Cox is the manager of the Coles County Farm Bureau.
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