The orange balls of color out in the field are one of the best signifiers that Fall is here.  Here in Northern California we don’t have much going on that screams the season has changed, so for us the pumpkin patch is kind of it.  These are sugar pie pumpkins, which means they are good for exactly that Pie.  I really enjoy reading the history or foods, and learning where they come from.  Here is a short bit on pumpkins from the University of Arizona:

Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C. Native Americans used pumpkins as a staple in their diets for centuries. They called the pumpkin “isqoutm Squash.” Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine. They also flattened strips of pumpkin, dried them and made mats. Early settlers ate pumpkin as a staple in their diet. Colonist filled a hollowed out shell with milk, honey, and spices, then baked it in hot ashes. This is considered the origin of the pumpkin pie.