Pepita
Pepita is a term originating from Spanish, which refers to the pumpkin seed. The word "pepita" is derived from the Mexican Spanish phrase "pepita de calabaza," meaning "little seed of squash." Pepitas are a popular ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes and are also consumed as a healthy snack worldwide.
History[edit | edit source]
The use of pepitas dates back to the Aztec civilization, where they were a staple food source. They were also used in medicinal practices and rituals. The seeds were often ground into a meal and used in the preparation of tamales, a traditional Mexican dish.
Nutritional Value[edit | edit source]
Pepitas are rich in protein, fiber, and various micronutrients. They are a good source of magnesium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
Culinary Uses[edit | edit source]
Pepitas are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used as a garnish for soups and salads. They can also be ground into a paste, similar to peanut butter, known as pepita butter. In Mexican cuisine, they are used in dishes such as mole sauce and chiles en nogada.
Health Benefits[edit | edit source]
The high nutritional value of pepitas contributes to their numerous health benefits. They can aid in heart health, bone health, and digestion. They are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Pepitas are harvested from the Cucurbita pepo plant, a type of squash. The seeds are typically harvested in the fall when the squash is ripe. They are then cleaned, dried, and can be roasted for additional flavor.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD