🎃 #4 in the Nation

Pumpkins

Beyond Halloween — NC pumpkins are a nutritional powerhouse all year long.

🌱 Every part of a pumpkin is edible — flesh, seeds, and even the leaves
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About This Crop

NC Pumpkins

North Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for pumpkin production, growing nearly 94 million pounds each year. While most people think of pumpkins in the fall, NC farmers grow them throughout the warm season and their nutritional value goes far beyond the holiday table. The flesh, the seeds, and even the leaves are all edible — and all nutritious.

Why It's Good For You

Health Benefits

Eye Health

Pumpkins are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A — critical for healthy vision.

Immune Support

High in Vitamins A and C, pumpkins bolster your immune system going into cold and flu season.

Weight Management

Low in calories but high in fiber, pumpkin keeps you feeling full — a smart addition to a weight-conscious diet.

Heart Health

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and healthy fats that support healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function.

Key Nutrients

Nutrition Highlights

Per typical serving — % values are approximate Daily Values.

Vitamin A
245% DV
Vitamin C
19% DV
Potassium
16% DV
Fiber
11% DV
Vitamin E
10% DV

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Botanically, a pumpkin is a fruit — it develops from a flower and contains seeds. In cooking and everyday use it's treated as a vegetable (or a sweet ingredient in pies). Either way, it's delicious and nutritious.

Very much so. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are packed with magnesium, zinc, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They're linked to better heart health and improved sleep. Roast them instead of throwing them away.

Most are technically edible, but culinary varieties like Sugar Pie pumpkins have denser, sweeter flesh. Large carving pumpkins tend to be stringy and watery. Look for labels like "pie pumpkin" or "sugar pumpkin" when buying for cooking.

NC pumpkins are typically ready for harvest in September and October. Find the best fresh NC pumpkins at farm stands and farmers markets in early-to-mid fall.

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