An Introduction

Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepita deriving from the Spanish pepita de calabaza, “little seed of squash”. These are usually edible seeds of pumpkin which are flat, dark green seeds. Some varieties are encased in a yellow-white husk, although some varieties of pumpkins produce seeds

without shells; for instance those of antaloupe, cucumber, and squash. Pumpkins along with their seeds belong to the gourd or Cucurbitaceae family.

The pumpkin seeds are subtly sweet and nutty in flavour with a malleable, chewy texture. While pumpkin seeds are available year round, they are the freshest in the fall when pumpkins are in season.

Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds are a great snack food and make for a very popular ingredient in the cuisines of many countries such as Greece, Turkey, the Balkan countries, Spain, Italy and Mexico. Western Europeans and Americans have relatively recently discovered the appeal of pumpkin seeds. Today, the leading commercial producers of pumpkins include the United States, Mexico, India and China.

In terms of their fat content, pumpkin seeds are a good way to get both the omega 3 and 6 essential fats needed for hormone balance, brain function and skin health.

Depression Treatment – They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.
Prevention of Osteoporosis – Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory – Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs
Prevention of Kidney Stones – They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies
Treatment of Parasites – They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails
Great Source of Magnesium – 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.
Lower Cholesterol – Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol
Cancer Prevention – The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.

Ingredients

Serves 4

3 carrots, trimmed, peeled and grated
2 courgettes, trimmed and cut into fine julienne (matchstick) strips or grated
2 spring onions, trimmed and finely diced
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp egg-free mayonnaise
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Method

Mix the carrots, courgettes and spring onions in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix the cider vinegar with the mayonnaise and then mix in with the coleslaw ingredients. Cover and chill until required. Serve garnished with the pumpkin seeds.

Following are some serving tips:-

Add pumpkin seeds to healthy sautéed vegetables
Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of mixed green salads
Grind pumpkin seeds with fresh garlic, parsley and cilantro leaves. Mix with olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty salad dressing
Add chopped pumpkin seeds to your favorite hot or cold cereal
Add pumpkin seeds to your oatmeal raisin cookie or granola recipe