Pumpion

Pumpion was the original English name for this winter squash (a cultivar of Cucurbita pepo) and it was the American colonials who named it pumpkin.  The word is derived from the Greek pepon which means "large melon", the French word "pompon"  then followed leading to the English name.   Native of north eastern Mexico and the southern States, it was first used as a food stuff over 5,000 years BC.

The one in the photo has been made into soup.

C who lives next door came over for a cuppa and catch-up. They have just sold their house and are moving after Christmas to be nearer their large family in south-eastern England.  I shall miss them as they have been here for 24 years.