Thank gourd ... it's Pumpkin Day!
Nothing represents October better than the orange squash that, within coming days, will transform into ghoulish Hallowe'en jack-o-lanterns (carving tips here).
But as our gourd almighty coverage confirms http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/good-gourd-six-unusual-things-to-do-with-a-pumpkin-1-8185947 there's uses aplenty, from table party piece to pet food, for the humble autumnal plant.
Of new world origin, its title derives from Greek word pepon or ‘large melon’ that was first pompon in France and pumpion to us Brits before being Americanised to its current name.
So celebrate this special occasion with pumpkin soup, bread and pie, washed down by spiced coffee. And, with Hallowe'en only days away, remember the future's fright, the future's orange!