What are Pepitas Seeds?

The term pumpkin seed and pepitas are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. Pumpkin seeds are the white or cream-colored, oval-shaped seeds you find inside of pumpkins such as those you use to make jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkin seeds are typically roasted in the shell. If you try getting the seed out of the shell you will quickly understand why that is the chosen method of eating pumpkin seeds. Pepitas are seeds without a hull. They are found in specific types of pumpkins such as oilseed pumpkins and Styrian pumpkins. When you cut open a variety of pumpkin that contains hulless seeds, you will find small, green pepitas waiting for you to scoop out, rinse and enjoy either raw or roasted.

The Origin of Pepitas

The word pepitas is Spanish for pumpkin seed and translates as “little seed of squash.” Pepitas have been eaten in Mexico as far back as ancient Aztec times. It was a common practice during those times to use every part of the squash or pumpkin except for the shell. During ancient times, pepitas were eaten raw and sometimes used as an ingredient in sauces. The Styrian pumpkin was developed in Austria’s Styria province. This type of pumpkin is also referred to as the hulless or naked-seeded pumpkin. You can now purchase several varieties of pumpkins that have hulless seeds. However, unless you have the space to grow a garden and the time to nurture it, your chosen method for obtaining pepitas will likelt be to purchase them, open the package and eat them as a snack or include them in some of your favorite recipes.

Culinary Uses for Pepitas

Pepitas are a popular ingredient in Mexican dishes. They are often used in mole sauce. Many people like using them as a garnish for salads. They can also be used in pesto recipes. Pepitas can add a little crunch to a soup or be used as a flavorful thickener for stews. Pepitas can be used as a substitute for nuts in bread, cookies, muffins and other baked goods. These tasty seeds can perk up the flavor of your breakfast cereal. They can be mixed into your favorite burger recipe or tossed into a stir-fry to give it some crunch and extra nutritional value. Roasted salted or unsalted pepitas are a delicious and healthy snack that kids and adults can enjoy anytime. When you purchase raw pepitas, you are providing yourself with multiple ways to diversify some of your standby recipes and to let your culinary creativity abound.

Health Benefits of Pepitas

Many times, a person reaches for a snack to gain a burst of energy either to get them started in the morning or to help them over an afternoon slump. Pepitas are a healthy, energizing snack. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Pepitas can support prostate and bladder health. They can also have a positive effect on sleep and anxiety. Pepitas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats and are also an excellent source of antioxidants.