(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois is the heart of America’s pumpkin patch, producing over 634 million pounds of pumpkins each year — more than the next five states combined! According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, 17,000 acres are planted with pumpkins each year at 650 farms across the state. It’s no wonder Illinois is known as the “Pumpkin Capital.” About 80% of these pumpkins end up in pie filling, bringing that iconic fall flavor to tables nationwide.

From Morton, the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” to farms big and small, Illinois farmers make autumn a little more colorful and the pies on the Thanksgiving table even tastier. Oct. 26 is National Pumpkin Day.

 

102324 Pumpkin Fact Sheet