Every plant has a seed but only a few of them are high on flavour and reek of health benefits. Previously, we’ve featured flaxseeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, and listed out the health benefits of each. But now it’s time for pumpkin seeds to share the spotlight.
Pumpkin seeds, known as ‘pepita’ or 'pepita de calabaz’ (little seeds of squash) in Spanish are creamy, crispy and bite-sized seeds of the pumpkin fruit. They make a terrific snack-on-the-go and make an equally good ingredient for all your culinary ambitions.
There are two varieties of pumpkin: the ‘baby bear’ pumpkin is small in size and has pale, white-coloured seeds. They have a stubborn layer of hull around them which gives them a tough and chewy texture. The other kind of pumpkin is the ‘Lady Godiva’ pumpkin which is bigger in size and has muddy, green coloured seeds. The ‘baby bear’ pumpkins are the ones you get in India and the other kind is commonly found in the United States. They’re also used for carving during Halloween.
The white seeds have a bit more hull around them which makes them mildly chewy and rough. Hull is a dry outer covering which is usually found on fruits and seeds. If you find raw seeds difficult to eat, try pressing them with a rolling pin and then boil for about half an hour. The green seeds can be enjoyed raw as well, or you could roast them real nice.
One of the questions that haunts every vegetarian is – how can I get my fair share of protein? Protein is absolutely crucial as it speeds up your metabolism, ramps up your body strength and helps you focus. And this is where seeds come to your rescue. Pumpkin seeds especially are extremely high on both protein and fibre making them a terrific snack that can be enjoyed during any time of the day.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc which works as a mild aphrodisiac. Zinc also encourages the renewal of cells, repairs damage and promotes healthy hair. These seeds are also one of the top sources of phosphorus, which pumps up your metabolism and is important for energy. Other things that make pumpkin seeds a terribly healthy snack are: they’re awfully rich in magnesium which is crucial to a wide range of important physiological functions, pumping of the heart, relaxation of blood vessels and seamless bowel function.
