What Are Pepitas? Are they the Same as Pumpkin Seed?

Do you need to learn about the existence of what are pepitas? So, it’s a Spanish word that means “little seeds to squash.” In easy words, you can say it has a hard solid outer surface. Moreover, Pepitas are seeds found in different types of pumpkin like oilseed pumpkin and Styrian pumpkin. And you know what is surprising? Pepitas doesn’t have any shells. 

If you talk about the appearance and taste. It is thin, crunchy, and green in color. Coming up to the taste test it tastes a little nutty. Furthermore, you can roast it in a baking oven, use it in salads, or mix it up in yogurt with some fruits and nuts. 

In this article, we will talk about the origin of Pepitas and whether is it okay to eat raw pepitas. The benefits, nutrient breakdown of pepitas, and how can you use the seed in your food. 

What Are Pepitas? Where are they Harvested?

What are pepitas where can you find them? Pepitas are referred to as pumpkin seeds in some regions or most. However, they are different. Why is that so? Because you can have pepitas seed in raw form. But pumpkin seeds need to be roasted before eating them.

Moreover, pepitas are famous for being rich in minerals, antioxidants, and fats that are good for your body. They are found in some specific pumpkins that are Styrian or Oil Seed Pumpkin. 

However, pepitas were first commonly used in Eastern Europe. But now you can find it everywhere in the world. Even in Mexico, you can find Pepitas used with gourds. Gourds are a type of fruit and belong to the family of zucchini, pumpkin, and melon. 

Interested to know how it benefits your body? Let me tell you some interesting facts about using the seed. 

What are the Benefits of Using Pepitas?

As I mentioned above pepitas are rich in minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and manganese that are good for bone health. Moreover, they are rich in antioxidants which means it has polyunsaturated fatty acids that control cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Here are some more benefits that you may like to read. 

Helps in Digestion

1 ounce of pumpkin has 1.8 g of fiber that helps you in digestion. Fiber helps to release constipation. Also, if you intake pepitas you will feel quite full and your diet will be less. Pumpkin seeds will help you to maintain your weight.

Stronger Immune System

Pepitas or pumpkin seeds are full of vitamin E and antioxidants. Moreover, this helps to boost your immunity system and stronger bones. 

Help with Insomnia

Are you an insomnia patient? Tired of sleeping pills and still feel restless. Let me tell you that having 1 g of amino acid tryptophan which is found in pepitas helps to produce serotonin. An acid that makes your body relaxed and calm. This phenomenon helps you to have a good sleep at night. 

Sexually Active

Pumpkin seeds or pepitas are rich in aphrodisiac and zinc content that helps to improve sperm quantity and quality. 

Here is a breakdown of nutrient contents in Pepitas.

Nutrient Content Breakdown of Pepitas

Now, we are very clear about pepitas and their benefits. So what’s next in the line? Here are some tips on using pepitas or pumpkin seeds in your daily food. 

How can We Use Pepitas in Our Food? 

A very simple and easy ingredient that can be used. Here are some quick answers to many people who are asking how can we use pepitas in our food.

• Take a heating pan put some oil and toast the pepitas seed. The most crunchy, full of taste, and flavored form of pepitas is found when toasted.  
• Use as a topping on salads and soups.
• Add it to your oatmeal, grain bowls, and yogurt.
• Baked goods like granola bars. 
• Pepitas can be used in place of pine nuts in pesto sauce for cooking pasta. 

Another common issue that is faced by people is how to remove shells. Some people do not like eating it with shells. No issues we are here to help.

How to Remove Pepitas Shell? 

There is no such hard thing to remove the shell of pepitas. Here is a guide you can follow to remove the shell of pepitas.

• Take pepitas seed out of the pumpkin.
• Wash them in cold water.
• Pat dry it completely.
• Try to roll over a dough roller it will help to remove a bit of the shell of the pepitas.
• Next, take a saucepan.
• Heat some water and add those pepitas to the boiling water.
• Wait until the shell falls off.  

Conclusion

What are pepitas are they the same as pumpkin seeds? No, they are not the same as pepitas seeds are found in specific pumpkins like Styrian and Oil seed pumpkins. Moreover, you can have them as it is. They are crunchy, nutty in taste, and are of green color.

Whereas pumpkin seeds cannot be eaten raw. They need to be toasted before eating. Furthermore, you can have pepitas in your salad and stews, oatmeal, grain bowl, cookies, pasta sauce, and granola bars. 

Let me know by commenting that you use pepitas and how you utilize it in your food every day. 

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