Every October, the carved pumpkins are placed on doorsteps all over the United States and various parts of the world. The gourd-like orange fruits which are engraved with ghoulish faces and also illuminated by candles are sure signs of the Halloween season. This practice of adorning “jack-o’-lanterns”—its name comes from an old Irish folktale about a young man known as Stingy Jack—originated in the Republic of Ireland, where large potatoes and turnips were served. The Irish i