Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an annual sweet herb belonging to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. Its common genus and species name is Cucurbita maxima. The pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, are small, flat, green and edible. Most of these are stored inside a yellowish-white husk, while some varieties do not have shells. The delicious roasted aroma of these seeds will surely bring back memories of your last Halloween treat.

History

This herbaceous vine is native to America, now cultivated worldwide in warm temperate regions of United States, Mexico, India and China. It was a treasured food of the native American Indians due to their dietary and nutritional substance. European explorers introduced it to the world by bringing their seeds and recipes from the New World.

Purpose/Use

The squash seed solves irritation and diuretic problems. It contains linoleic and fatty acids, various plant sterols and sterol glycosides. It is used to expel intestinal worms, kill tapeworms, treats bed-wetting in children and soothes an irritated bladder. Dried seeds can treat burns while its strong flavored oil is used in aromatherapy and healing lungs and mucus membranes.

Benefits & Features

Pumpkin seeds have recently become popular due to their unique nutritional and health benefits. They are a rich source of protein, zinc, magnesium, manganese, phytosterols and phosphorus. They even lower cholesterol as a gram of seed protein contains an equal tryptophan (amino acid) as in a glass of milk.