Pepitas are the green kernels from pumpkin seeds. The seeds are removed from the pumpkin then dried so that they are ready to eat. Pepitas are a source of zinc and protein and they also provide iron, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, some B-complex vitamins and dietary fibre. Like most seeds and nuts, they contain predominantly polyunsaturated fat and, being a plant food, they contain no cholesterol.
Pepitas can be eaten as they are, sprinkled on top of your breakfast cereal, added to salads, savoury dishes and roasted vegetables. When buying pepitas, choose hulled seeds that are a uniform green colour — not brown, which is a sign of rancidity. Once the packaging has been opened, the seeds should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within two months.
This information is provided by the Sanitarium Nutrition Service.
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