In the United States, annual per capita use of pumpkin was about 3 kilograms per person in 2020.

Nothing says autumn like spotting a field full of pumpkins waiting to be picked. In Canada, pumpkin patches across Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia open their gates to families for hayrides, corn mazes and of course, picking the perfect gourd. These pumpkins roll their way into pies, porches, lattes and parades, but today they get the spotlight: it's National Pumpkin Day.

Ever wondered why we carve this squash? The tradition comes from an old Irish story about a man called Stingy Jack. According to legend, Jack tricked the Devil multiple times and was denied entry to both heaven and hell, leaving him to wander the Earth with only a carved-out turnip and a glowing coal to light his way. Immigrants brought the tale to North America, where pumpkins—larger and easier to carve than turnips—became the canvas for glowing jack-o'-lanterns.

The Connecticut field pumpkin is the go-to variety thanks to its size, smooth skin and bright orange hue. The colour of pumpkins comes from beta-carotene, but not all are orange—some grow white, green or even blue. Their utility doesn't end there—pumpkins have stood guard as scarecrows, been launched in pumpkin-tossing contests and even hollowed out for boat races. So, have you sharpened your carving tools?