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Pumpkin
seed oil, 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 (this is also where Governor Arnold originated!), 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 2.5 kg
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
of about 140º F. 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.
In recent years,
some aromatherapy users are trying pumpkin seed oil as a carrier base
as well.
When purchasing
pumpkin seed oil, make sure that the oil is made from 100% pumpkin
seeds with no additives. Due to 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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