Pumpkin seed oil

[Guest guest]

Suzanne wrote:

> Pumpkin seed oil, also called Kuerbiskernoel, is derived from the

> Styrian pumpkin whose botanical name is known as Cucurbita Pepo

> Convarietas Citrullinina - Varietas Styriaca. Although these pumpkins

> originated in the southeast region of Austria, which is called Styria,

> they are now grown in other parts of the world including in Ontario,

> Canada. Styrian pumpkins are a special variety of pumpkin. These

> pumpkins have a yellow/green skin and yellow/orange flesh inside.

> Additionally, these pumpkins contain seeds that are dark green and

> that do not have an outer shell. Because Styrian pumpkin seeds do not

> have a shell, the seeds can be processed easily into pumpkin seed oil.

>

> Pumpkin seed oil has been popular for years among natives of the

> Styrian region of Austria and those who live in the northern portion

> of Slovenia, Europe. Additionally, this oil is now gaining a

> reputation among chefs worldwide because of its highly nutritional

> benefits. For example, the seeds from this pumpkin type contain

> vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, and K, as well as many minerals

> including calcium and magnesium. The oil also contains over 60% of

> unsaturated fatty acid and is rich in vegetable protein. Recent

> medical research has also announced the health benefits provided by

> using pumpkin seed oil. These benefits include regulating cholesterol

> levels and aiding in the prevention and treatment of bladder and

> prostate problems.

>

>

> Styrian pumpkins are ripened and harvested in the fall. To make

> pumpkin seed oil, the seeds are manually removed from the pumpkins.

> Approximately 2.5kg of pumpkin seeds are required to make one liter of

> pumpkin seed oil. Once the seeds have been removed from the pumpkins,

> they are washed and dried. The dried seeds are then roasted for a few

> minutes at a high temperature (approximately 140ºF). Once roasted, the

> seeds are pressed using high pressure. The result of this pressing is

> the production of a dark green/black oil. This oil is then bottled and

> packaged for use.

>

> Pumpkin seed oil has an unusual flavor that is somewhat nutty. Because

> of this unusual flavor, if you are not used to using pumpkin seed oil

> it is recommended that you experiment with it first. For example, try

> finding recipes that contain the oil and test the results of its

> usage. Pumpkin seed oil is typically used as a salad dressing combined

> with apple cider vinegar and salt. Additionally, it can be used in

> cooking and baking as an ingredient in sauces, sausages, and cakes.

>

> You can buy pumpkin seed oil in some grocery, specialty, and health

> food stores. You can also purchase it by mail or over the Internet.

> When purchasing pumpkin seed oil, make sure that the oil is made from

> 100% pumpkin seeds with no additives. Because of its thick

> consistency, occasionally some producers will add sunflower seed oil

> to the pumpkin seed oil in order to thin out the oil base. Combining

> the two oil types also allows manufacturers to produce a less

> expensive product. Therefore, make sure that you read the label placed

> on the sunflower seed oil bottle, or inquire to the supplier about the

> oil's contents, before purchasing any oil.

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> Suzi

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Yes and the seeds make a wonderful seed cheese in place of regular

pumpkin seeds. Very nice.

Don who gets to enjoy the benefits of this pumpkin and its wonderfully

dark rich full flavored oil.

--

Peace be with you,

Don " Quai " Eitner

" Spirit sleeps in the mineral, breathes in the vegetable, dreams in the animal

and wakes in man. "

Nearly all men die of their remedies, and not of their illnesses. ~Jean

Baptiste Molière, Le Malade Imaginaire

The obstacle is the path. ~Zen Proverb