Pumkin Seeds Perfected!

Pumpkins, or Cucurbita pepo, are the largest fruits in the plant kingdom. The “fruits” come in many different shapes and sizes, the largest can grow to be over six feet in circumference and to weigh over 300 pounds. The familiar Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins, most all from the C. Pepo family, are not the same type of pumpkins used for pumpkin pies and pumpkin seeds, which tend to be from the C. Maxima and C. Moschata genus. Summer & Winter squash are also botanically classified under one of the three Cucurbita species; squash and pumpkin are non-technical words with no botanical significance.

Pumpkins & Squash are indigenous to Central America; archeological ruminants of pumpkins have been found in the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico dating as far back ask 8750 BC. While the pumpkin was not introduced into Europe until the 16th century, it was not long before pumpkins were planted throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Pumpkin seeds are nutritionally exceptional in their high protein content (15 grams per serving is more than many protein bars), their abundance of healthy polyunsaturated fats, and in the presence of unusual amino acid identified chemically as (-)-3-amino-3-carboxypyrrolidine. It is the presence of this amino acid that is responsible for pumpkin seeds’ reputation as an teniafuge/anthelmintic (agents which paralyze and expel intestinal worms). The quantities of this amino acid vary not only from genus to genus, but within genus, so most studies have labeled pumpkin seeds as either an unreliable or ineffective an teniafuge/anthelmintic. Pumpkin seeds’ reputation as a popular home remedy for prostate problems is uncertain, but probably has to do with either the high levels of unsaturated fats or phytosterols. The seeds’ are also rumored to be a mild diuretic, to combat the aromatization of testosterone, and to treat irritable bladder syndrome. Eating the shell as well makes pumpkin seeds an excellent source of fiber. Are you eating enough?

We provide Art’s Nuts direct to the public by the case at our online Art’s Nuts Product Catalog.