The oldest evidence of pumpkin dates back to 7000 to 5500 BC in Mexico. Pumpkin juice has been manufactured since 1837 by London Pumpkin & Sons. It is drunk at any occasion, such as breakfast, lunch, at feasts, and other special occasions.

A pumpkin is a gourd-like squash that grows on vines. It is round, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin, and deep yellow to orange in colour. The thick shell contains the seeds and pulp. Its stem is more rigid, prickly, and angular than a squash stem.

Pumpkins are native to North America. Today, it is grown all around the world, except in Antarctica. Pumpkins are usually planted in July. They are a hardy plant. The soil temperature at three inches deep needs to be 60 degrees F (16 C) and must hold water well. Pumpkins produce both male and female flowers. Honeybees play a significant role in fertilization.

In the wizarding world, the jinx, Melofors, encases the victim's head in a pumpkin. The Pompion Potion has the same effect. Young wizards and witches use this jinx as a practical joke.

Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers. They can be boiled, steamed, roasted, and mashed. Pumpkins are used in baking such as pumpkin pasties, soups, and purees. It is made in pumpkin juice and pumpkin fizz. Pumpkins are made into pumpkin pie and are carved into jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.

Veterinarians often recommend canned pumpkin as a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that are experimenting digestive ailments. Raw pumpkin is fed to poultry during the winter to help maintain egg production.

Pumpkins can be stored to 30 to 90 days in a cool, dry, dark area.