Pepitas = Pumpkin Seeds
Kelly Whitfield
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Q What are pepitas?
A Hulled pumpkin seeds are sometimes called pepitas, although the word can refer either to the hulled or un-hulled pumpkin seed kernel. They are small, flat and light green in colour. They are known by this name in Mexico and other Latin American countries where they have been eaten since the time of the Aztecs. They can be chopped and sprinkled on muffins prior to baking, added to soups, or tossed in salads.
Q How do I roast pumpkin seeds?
A Remove the seeds and clean them thoroughly before roasting. Place in a colander and put under cold running water. Lay out in single layer to air dry. To roast, take dried pumpkin seeds, toss with oil and/or salt and roast in a preheated oven at 250°F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool and store in an airtight container. To keep roasted seeds longer, seal and store in the freezer.
Try using one of these optional seasonings: garlic powder, cayenne powder, seasoning salt, Cajun seasoning, ranch dressing mix, Worchestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, taco seasoning or your favorite seasonings. For more information on roasting pumpkin seeds contact the Extension office number below.
This food is a good source of Protein, Magnesium and Zinc. So not only do they taste good, they are good for you too. (Note: Pumpkin seeds can be a choking hazard for children under the age of three)
Q How long will a bagged salad stay fresh after the bag is opened?
A Check the “best if used by” date. It should give you a few days to store and use the salad. Buy the product with the longest use-by date you can find.
There are several things you can do to get the most shelf life out of your bagged salad, such as keeping the salad cold from the time you leave the store until you use it. Store salad greens in the original bag and keep it in the refrigerator crisper. Salad greens should be refrigerated at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check and monitor the temperature of your refrigerator.
Once opened, be sure to press the air out of any salad bag before you close it and then seal the bag tightly. Signs that a bagged salad might not be fresh, regardless of the date, include brown edges on the lettuce or greens that look “wet”. Greens that are slimy and have an off odor should not be used.
F Kelly Whitfield , Lyon County family and consumer science agent, is a registered, licensed dietitian and certified diabetes educator. For more information on food, nutrition, health and family issues, contact her at the Lyon County K-State Research and Extension office at 341-3220 or email at kwhit@ksu.edu. Sources: Karen Blakeslee, Food Scientist, K-State Research and Extension. Cook It Quick, University of NebraskaCoop. Ext. in Lancaster Co. Living, Green Co. Coop. Ext., Oct. 2005, Health Benefits and Safe Handling of Salad Greens, Colorado State Univ. Ext., Sept. 2007