Sample Pumpkin Facts and Fun (Grades 3-4) Worksheet
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Pumpkin Facts and Fun
By Phyllis Naegeli 		  
1     Pumpkins aren't just for jack-o'-lanterns. This member of the squash family that we normally eat as a vegetable is really the world's largest fruit. The current world record holder grew a pumpkin that weighed 1,337.6 pounds. Now that's a giant fruit! They are also quite colorful. Different varieties come in white, yellow, and orange. The bright orange ones we usually think of are the Connecticut field variety. I don't know about you, but I don't think a jack-o'-lantern would be quite the same if it was made from a white pumpkin.
 
2     When pumpkin seeds are planted in the ground, they grow into vines. Bright yellow-orange flowers bloom along the vine. Then, as the flowers wither, beneath them the little green pumpkin begins to grow. Pumpkins take quite awhile to mature. From planting to harvest is about four months. By October, about eighty percent of the pumpkins grown in the United States are on hand. Just in time for Halloween.
 
3     Pumpkins are nutritious too. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin B, and potassium. They are low in calories, low in salt, and contain no cholesterol. They are used in many recipes. Breads, cookies, pies, and soup are made from pumpkins. The pilgrims hollowed out pumpkins, added milk, honey, and spices. It was then baked in hot ashes making the first pumpkin pie. They also used the flowers and leaves in salads. Yes, they are edible too.

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