NewsIMTSWhat is the scientific name for pumpkin was revealed at botanical research centers across India last week. The common pumpkin used for carving and cooking is scientifically known as Cucurbita pepo, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family (cucurbits). Pumpkins are botanically classified as berries called pepos because they grow from flowers and contain seeds, though we commonly use them as vegetables in cooking. US farmers harvested over 68,000 acres producing about 1.4 billion pounds of pumpkins in 2024, worth approximately $274 million. Illinois leads production with 90% of its crop used for canned products. Pumpkins have been domesticated for 8,000-10,000 years, making them one of North America's oldest cultivated plants. The term "pumpkin" applies to several Cucurbita species, explaining their variety in sizes, colors and shapes. Every part of the pumpkin plant is edible, including flesh, leaves, flowers and seeds. Most canned pumpkin in the US comes from Cucurbita moschata varieties rather than carving pumpkins. Fresh pumpkin consumption has increased to about 6 pounds per person annually from this year to this year. (Updated 31 Oct 2025, 05:49 IST; source: link)
Scientific Classification of Pumpkin
The common pumpkin that we use for cooking and carving has the scientific name Cucurbita pepo. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits. This family includes other vegetables like cucumbers, melons, and gourds. Scientists use this naming system, called taxonomy, to organize and identify plants based on their characteristics and genetic relationships. The name Cucurbita comes from Latin, referring to the gourd-like shape of these plants. Understanding scientific names helps students recognize how plants are related to each other in the natural world.
Pumpkins Are Actually Berries — Key Details and Next Steps
Though we commonly think of pumpkins as vegetables, botanically they are classified as berries called 'pepos.' This classification might surprise many students, but it makes sense scientifically. Pumpkins develop from flowers and contain seeds inside their flesh, which are key characteristics of berries. The pepo is a special type of berry with a thick rind and fleshy interior. This classification explains why pumpkins share similarities with watermelons and cucumbers, which are also pepos. Pumpkins have been cultivated for 8,000-10,000 years, making them one of the oldest domesticated plants from North America.
Key Points
- US farmers harvested over 68,000 acres producing about 1.4 billion pounds of pumpkins in 2024, worth approximately $274 million.
- Illinois leads production with 90% of its crop used for canned products.
- Pumpkins have been domesticated for 8,000-10,000 years, making them one of North America's oldest cultivated plants.