Did you know… that California ranks second in production of pumpkins in the US?
California purchases and consumes the most pumpkin products of any state and we also tout the most pumpkin festivals and highest attendance, reflecting California’s love of the seasonal fruit served in pies, souffles, bisque and breads. However, we are not the largest grower of pumpkins. We traditionally rank second to Illinois, producing two pumpkins for every five the Midwestern state grows.
Another fun fact about pumpkins: 90% of all pumpkins are grown specifically for Halloween. Most pumpkins are sold in local markets or directly to consumers at you-pick pumpkin patches, farmers’ markets, and food retail stores.