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Processing pumpkins dropping in value while demand is up

Illinois is the nation’s top pumpkin producer but growers for the first time in more than a decade have seen a significant drop in prices.

USDA Economic Research Service economist Gregory Astill (Aa-Still) says Illinois typically has the highest pumpkin production and value in the U.S. but prices dropped the state to fifth last year.

“More than 75 percent of the pumpkins they grow are for processing and that’s very different from every other state.”

He says at the same time pumpkin consumption is up to six pounds per person in recent years.

“The pie pumpkins are smaller, they’re sweeter, they have more dense flesh so they’re just much better for cooking.”

Fresh market pumpkins are generally sold for jack o’ lanterns while processing ones are for cooking.  Pumpkins are grown in every state with Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California and Texas leading the U.S. in pumpkin production over the past three years.