Everything Pumpkin

As autumn approaches, one theme seems to capture the heart of the season—Everything Pumpkin. The bright orange fruit signals cooler weather, cozy evenings, and the coming of Thanksgiving celebrations.

In the Southern Hemisphere, pumpkin is viewed quite differently. Rather than being associated with fall flavors or holiday desserts, it’s a common part of the main meal. Many families enjoy it baked or boiled as a savory vegetable, adding warmth and comfort to dinner tables throughout the year.

In the United States, pumpkins have become an icon of fall. When fields and porches fill with their golden-orange glow, everyone knows that harvest season has arrived. After growing pumpkins through the summer months, families make their final harvest before winter sets in.

While some people carve pumpkins, others turn them into delicious treats. Pumpkin pie, in particular, is a beloved Thanksgiving dessert—rich, spiced, and deeply tied to tradition. Whether served as a sweet dish or a savory side, everything pumpkin reminds us to slow down, give thanks, and savor the flavors of the season.

Pumpkins Around the World

Pumpkin is enjoyed in countless ways around the world, each culture adding its own twist to this versatile favorite. In some regions, cooks prepare a hearty stew in a pumpkin, using the hollowed shell as both pot and serving bowl. In North America, pumpkin pie takes center stage during Thanksgiving, while the now-famous pumpkin spice latte has become a cozy symbol of fall. Sweet lovers might savor pumpkin cake or pumpkin piklets—small, fluffy pancakes popular in Australia and New Zealand. For something more savory, stuffed pumpkin makes an impressive main course, often filled with rice, meat, or vegetables. You’ll also find fried pumpkin as a delightful side dish and pumpkin soup as a creamy, comforting favorite served in kitchens around the globe. No matter how it’s prepared, pumpkin brings warmth, nourishment, and the flavors of home to every table.

Here’s a great YouTube video on how pumpkin is enjoyed around the world and you may find some great ideas to try.