☝️ TLDR: Over 80% of the world’s canned pumpkin is produced in a little village in Illinois.

Today, we are talking about a small town with a big claim to fame — and for good reason! The hard-working people here have their fingers in all the pies, specifically the pumpkin ones. So, how do Illinois farmers spread the love and bring sweetness to every American celebration?

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pumpkin capital of the world

If you’ve ever wondered what is the pumpkin capital of the world, look no further than Morton, Illinois. Known as the Morton pumpkin capital of the world, it earned its title through the incredible pumpkin production, which supplies the majority of canned pumpkin worldwide. Morton is home to Libby’s, a major pumpkin processing plant that produces over 80% of the world’s canned pumpkin, making it the go-to for pies and fall treats like pumpkin spice lattes.

what is the pumpkin capital of the world

A fun facet of Morton’s pumpkin fame is the Morton Pumpkin Festival, organized and sponsored by the Morton Chamber of Commerce. Thousands of visitors flock to Morton every September to celebrate all things pumpkin. The festival includes pumpkin pie-eating contests, pumpkin parades, and even a pumpkin-decorating competition. Full of seasonal photo ops, it’s a fun way to celebrate Morton’s title and attracts fall fanatics from far and wide.

morton pumpkin festival

Why Morton? The area’s climate and soil are ideal for growing pumpkins, allowing Illinois to dominate pumpkin production. With the success of Libby’s processing plant and a steady stream of pumpkins rolling in each season, Morton quickly gained its reputation. Today, the Morton pumpkin capital of the world is more than just a title — it’s a celebration of the town’s historical roots and pumpkin pride!

📌 Fun Fact: The pumpkin capital has nothing to do with Halloween, weirdly!

According to Nestlé, which owns the Libby’s brand, Libby’s Dickinson Select pumpkins are exclusively grown in the nutrient-rich soil around Morton. The region provides ideal conditions to cultivate the Dickinson variety, contributing to its flavorful taste. It is especially beloved by food enthusiasts for the smooth, creamy texture. Its mild sweetness is perfect for baking and cooking, making it a staple in many kitchens during the fall season. Unlike the typical round, ribbed pumpkins that we see carved into jack-o-lanterns, Dickinson pumpkins have a more elongated, oval shape, and their appearance resembles a large butternut squash rather than a classic bright-orange Halloween pumpkin.

morton pumpkin capital of the world

Let’s see what other American towns and villages take pride in their renowned produce, with annual festivals and events celebrating their agricultural contributions.

🏘️Town🦅State🥦Produce-Related Nickname
VidaliaGeorgiaSweet Onion City
GilroyCaliforniaGarlic Capital of the World
Crystal CityTexasSpinach Capital of the World
Plant CityFloridaWinter Strawberry Capital of the World
HammontonNew JerseyBlueberry Capital of the World
OxnardCaliforniaStrawberry Capital of California
WatsonvilleCaliforniaApple City
EmmettIdahoCherry Capital of Idaho
MuscatineIowaMelon Capital of the World

Source

The official website of Morton, Illinois 

FAQ

Where is the pumpkin capital in the World?

Morton, Illinois, is often referred to as the pumpkin capital of the world, declared so in 1978 by Governor James R. Thompson.

What city produces the most pumpkins?

Morton, Illinois, produces the most pumpkins, with a significant portion of the America’s pumpkins grown in the surrounding area.

What is the World’s pumpkin capital?

Morton, Illinois, holds the title of the pumpkin capital of the world. It’s home to Libby’s pumpkin processing plant, which processes more than 80% of the world’s canned pumpkin.

Why is Illinois the pumpkin capital of the World?

Illinois earns its pumpkin capital status because it leads the U.S. in pumpkin production, particularly of pumpkins used for processing. The state’s climate and soil are ideal for growing pumpkins, and Morton, Illinois supplies canned pumpkin worldwide.

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