What did archaeologists find to show that pumpkins had been around for hundreds of years?

Archaeologists discovered ancient pumpkin seeds and remnants in archaeological sites across the Americas, dating back thousands of years. These findings, particularly in areas like Mexico and the southwestern United States, indicate that pumpkins were cultivated and consumed by indigenous peoples long before European contact. Additionally, the discovery of pottery with residue from pumpkin suggests its use in food preparation, further demonstrating its long-standing presence in ancient diets.