During this fall and early winter season, many of us have been using pumpkin in many of the standard traditional methods. We use pumpkins and squash for pies and custards, however, have you ever wondered if squash and pumpkins are FRUIT OR VEGETABLE? According to the Cambridge World History of Food, five domesticated and about 20 wild squash species belong to the cucurbitaceae family, which also includes their distant relatives, cucumbers, melons, and gourds. Pumpkin comes from the Old English word pompion, derived from Greek pepon and Latin pepo that means large, ripe round melon or gourd. It may also come as a surprise that all squashes and pumpkins are classified as fruits even though they are generally regarded and prepared as vegetables. Next time you prepare a pumpkin pie, think of it as a fruit pie.
chefjohnny@chefjohnnysproducts.com
Chef Johnny
November 27, 2000