Pumpkin originated in Central and South America, but today the plant is cultivated all over the world. This has resulted in varieties where the seeds have a very soft shell or no shell at all, eliminating the need for peeling. The seeds are imported in this country mainly from Eastern European countries and Mexico.
Pumpkin seeds in herbal medicine
In herbal medicine, the ripe, dried seeds (cucurbitae semen) or even the seed oil are used.
The pulp of pumpkins is often used in soups and made into cakes. Ornamental pumpkins are not suitable for consumption because of the higher content of bitter substances.
Pumpkin: special characteristics of the plant
The annual pumpkin forms climbing vines up to 10 m long, with which it spreads flat on the ground. The distinctly five-lobed leaves are very large and hairy. Furthermore, the plant bears large yellow flowers in a funnel shape.
Most characteristic, however, are the huge, yellow-green or orange spherical fruits, which contain numerous flat seeds. From a botanical point of view, the fruits represent berries.
Properties of pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are greenish to brownish, oval, flattened seeds that grow to about 7-15 mm long. They are round at one end and pointed at the other.
To some extent, the seeds of other pumpkin species, such as Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita mixta, are also used in herbal medicine.
The seeds do not give off any particular odor. The taste of pumpkin seeds is oily and slightly sweet.
