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On May 6, 2006, pumpkins became the state fruit of New Hampshire thanks to students at Wells Memorial Elementary School in Harrisville, NH. Now these fruits are celebrated every fall with pies, jack-o-lanterns and giant pumpkin contests. 

Starting from a yellow flower on a vine, with some help from pollinating insects, they are ready to eat in about 90 days.  Pumpkins have the unusual feature of both male and female flowers on the same vine with the male flowers appearing a week or two prior to the female flowers.

Although they are 90% water, pumpkins are a great source of nutrition.  They provide fiber, low fat, low calorie, high protein, high iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, a variety of minerals, plus beta-carotene (an antioxidant) which makes the fruit orange in color.  Even the seeds and flowers are edible.  Any leftover on the ground are left there for animals to eat or to breakdown and nourish the soil.

Belknap County Farm Bureau invited local 4th graders to Ramblin' Vewe Farm in Gilford for a day of learning about the importance of agriculture.  Farmers and other professionals presented mini-lessons and demonstrations on topics such as dairy, beekeeping, wool, sheep shearing, eggs, oxen, garlic, forestry and soil ecology. These field trip was a great opportunity for students to learn hands-on about the source of their food and fiber.