pumpkin seeds 🎃

origin: 

pumpkin seeds, obviously coming from pumpkins, are native to mexico as well as north, south and central america. the word “pepita” is consistent with this heritage, since in mexico the spanish phrase “pepita the calabaza” means “little seed of squash”. the seeds are typically flat and asymmetrically oval with a white outer husk and a light green color after the husk is removed. some pumpkins that are inedible, still have an edible seed so they are grown for their seeds only. pumpkins exist from smaller miniature ones that are often used for decoration, to large ones that can be eaten or carved as a tradition for halloween. pumpkins grow fast! even the larger ones only take 100-120 days to be ready. at that time they can weigh up to 15 kilograms and deliver up to 300 seeds.

properties:

a serving size of 3 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds has about 150 calories, 11 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of protein and still 2 grams of fibre. pumpkin seeds are also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc and contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and antioxidants.

benefits:

the high antioxidant amount in pumpkin seeds protects cells against premature aging and helps with more glowing skin and stronger hair and nails. pumpkin seeds have also been proven to prevent against certain types of cancer, especially stomach, breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers. they further lower blood sugar levels which may be important for people with diabetes. as they deliver a lot of zinc, pumpkin seeds are great for men, as a low zinc diet has been linked to increased infertility in men.

use: 

pumpkin seeds should be slightly toasted or roasted before consumption. they taste great as a snack on their own with a little bit of olive oil and seasalt or as a extra “crunch” on top of a salad. they pair well with pumpkins and sweet potato, goats cheese, rocket salad and beetroot. but since they have a nutty flavor, they go with almost anything you would like.

looking for more? just come by and visit our vegan restaurants in the city centre of groningen and hamburg. we offer fresh, healthy, and delicious vegan bowls with pumpkin seeds, salads and juices for pickup and delivery!