October 18, 2007

Demand for pumpkins grows, uses vary among consumers

"It's really been a double-edged sword," said Purdue plant pathologist Dan Egel. "Yield numbers and the average pumpkin size are down because of the dry weather, however, the lack of rain cut down on the number of diseases that affected the crop.

"Diseases like downy mildew have been almost nonexistent for growers this year, which benefited them by lowering input costs."

Growers also have limited disease in the past by planting the pumpkin crop at strategic times.

"Planting by June 20 really helps protect pumpkins from some diseases." Egel said. "It also helps to ensure that pumpkins are ripe and ready for the first of several harvests in mid-September."

Despite the lowered incidence of diseases, increasing demands and lower yields could lead to consumers seeing an overall increase in the average price of pumpkins.

"My sense is that prices are a little bit higher, not only because of the spotty droughts, but also because of the heat," Egel said. "This summer's excessive heat caused plants to produce less fruit, and the fruit started to ripen much too early."

No matter the cost, pumpkins have become a favorite way to celebrate fall. They come in all shapes, colors and sizes and can be used for a wide variety of purposes, Egel said.

"By far, the most popular use of pumpkins is jack-o'-lanterns, but more and more frequently we're seeing people use them as part of fall displays and as decoration inside their homes or workplaces," he said. "Some businesses even decorate with them to draw in customers with the festive spirit."

No matter what the intended purpose, consumers can find pumpkins in a number of varieties to suit their tastes and needs.

"Pumpkins come in a variety of colors, including green, a bluish shade, yellow, white and several shades of orange - some are ribbed, while others are smooth," Egel said. "They also come in a very wide variety of sizes - anywhere from less than a pound to more than 1,000 pounds."

While pumpkins may be popular decorations, they also have many other uses.

"In addition to decorating, pumpkins can be used for pie, bread, muffins, pudding, custards, soup, stuffing and roasted seeds," Egel said.

There are three common pumpkin varieties: field, sugar and cheese.

Field pumpkins are those most commonly found at supermarkets that are a variety of shapes and sizes and are well-suited for carving. Sugar pumpkins are smaller, bright orange pumpkins that taste sweeter and are most often used for cooking. Cheese pumpkins are generally more flat on top and bottom and often resemble a wheel of cheese. This variety is best for decorating, but not carving.

Egel said there is no real science to selecting a pumpkin.

"In picking the perfect pumpkin, there are no tricks like knocking or tapping and listening to the sound," he said. "Consumers should look for pumpkins without mold or soft, mushy spots and a green stem that is not shriveled. Beyond that, it's just personal preference and eye appeal."

Each year more than a billion pounds of pumpkins are produced in the United States. In Indiana, the fruit covers more than 4,242 acres annually - a number that is steadily climbing to meet demand.

"We've really seen an increase in the demand for pumpkins over the last several years," Egel said. "People love pumpkins because pumpkins get them in the mood for fall and all of the festivities."

Writer: Jennifer Stewart Cummins, (765) 494-6682, cumminsjs@purdue.edu

Source: Dan Egel, (812) 886-0198, egel@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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