Why Illinois Locals Say This Dish Truly Represents Thanksgiving
When you think of Thanksgiving in Illinois, one dessert steals the show every single time: pumpkin pie. I remember my grandmother pulling a golden pie from the oven, and the entire house smelled like cinnamon and home.
What makes this even better is that Illinois grows most of the pumpkins that end up in America’s holiday pies, making it the ultimate Thanksgiving symbol for locals.
Illinois Grows the Nation’s Pumpkin Supply
Around 85% of all canned pumpkin in the United States comes from Illinois. That’s right—when families across America crack open a can for their Thanksgiving pie, chances are it was grown in the Prairie State.
Morton, Illinois, even calls itself the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Every fall, those orange fields stretch for miles, feeding the nation’s pie obsession one can at a time.
A Slice of State Pride on Every Plate
Serving pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving isn’t just tradition here, it’s a point of hometown pride. Locals love knowing their fields are feeding the country, one creamy slice at a time.
I’ve watched neighbors brag about their backyard pumpkins like they’re raising championship racehorses. When dessert hits the table, everyone feels connected to something bigger than themselves, rooted right here in Illinois soil.
The Morton Pumpkin Festival Celebrates It All
Every September, Morton throws a massive Pumpkin Festival that draws tens of thousands of visitors, with events like pumpkin pie–eating contests, parades, food tents, and pumpkin weigh-offs.
Attending the festival feels like stepping into pumpkin paradise. It’s a reminder that Illinois doesn’t just grow pumpkins—we celebrate them with serious enthusiasm and maybe a little friendly competition.
Libby’s Pumpkin Plant Powers the Tradition
The Libby’s pumpkin processing plant in Morton is legendary. This facility processes millions of pounds of pumpkins each year, turning them into the canned puree that becomes America’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert.
Without this plant, store shelves would be pretty empty come November. Illinois locals know that Libby’s isn’t just a brand—it’s practically a state treasure, keeping the pumpkin pie tradition alive nationwide.
Recipes Passed Down Through Generations
Illinois families guard their pumpkin pie recipes like crown jewels. My aunt swears by adding a pinch of nutmeg, while my cousin insists on using fresh whipped cream instead of the canned stuff.
These recipes get handed down from grandma to grandkid, each generation tweaking the spices just a bit. Every Thanksgiving table tells a story through that pie, blending Illinois heritage with personal family history.
Supporting Local Farmers Feels Good
Choosing pumpkin pie means supporting Illinois farmers who work hard every season. These growers plant, tend, and harvest thousands of acres, ensuring that the nation’s Thanksgiving tables are complete.
Eating that pie connects us directly to the land and the people who cultivate it. It’s more than dessert—it’s a delicious way to say thank you to the agricultural backbone of our state.