The story of pumpkins and squash stretches back over 8,000 years to ancient Mesoamerica, where indigenous peoples first cultivated these vital food sources. Native Americans developed the ingenious “Three Sisters” method, interplanting squash with corn and beans in a sustainable growing system that continues to inspire organic gardeners today. When European settlers arrived in the New World, they quickly adopted pumpkins as a crucial food source, using them to replace scarce wheat flour. These versatile fruits have woven themselves into cultural traditions worldwide—from Irish immigrants adapting their turnip-carving traditions to create the modern jack-o’-lantern, to competitive growers producing astounding 900-kg giants. Modern varieties like calabaza, kabocha, and butternut reflect global agricultural heritage, while sustainable practices honour their role in animal feed and even biofuel production. The current revival of heirloom varieties among organic growers ensures these ancient treasures continue to adapt and thrive.