Mexican pumpkins, broadly known as calabaza de castilla, have a darker and thicker skin than the bright-orange sugar pumpkins popular in the U.S. Calabaza (Spanish for pumpkin) was discovered by Spanish conquerors, goes one theory, who took samples home to Queen Isabella of Castile in the late 1400s along with gold and
What are Mexican pepitas?
Put quite simply, pepitas are pumpkin seeds. “Pepita” is the Mexican Spanish word for pumpkin seed, literally translating to “little seed of squash.” When you buy pepitas, they come shelled, which is why they are green instead of white like the regular pumpkin seeds you might buy.
What type of pumpkins are used for Halloween?
Black pumpkins are the perfect Halloween decorations. Orange and black are the traditional color scheme for Halloween. Adding a black pumpkin variety along with a classic orange pumpkin variety will create a real show stopper.
Are specialty pumpkins edible?
You can absolutely cook pumpkin the way you would cook any other winter squash. The varieties that are bred primarily for decorative use and Jack-o-lanterns may not be quite as flavorful or might be a bit stringier than pumpkins bred specifically for pies and other culinary uses but they are all edible.
Are pumpkins part of Dia de los Muertos?
Pumpkin has been an essential part of Day of the Dead ofrendas since Aztec times, when they used the sap of a maguey plant as a sweetener for calabaza.
What’s the difference between pumpkin seeds and pepitas?
Pepitas and pumpkin seeds seem so similar, you might think they are the same thing. But while they are not exactly the same, they are closely related. Pumpkin seeds are whole seeds with their shells still on, whereas pepitas are found in shell-less, or hulless pumpkin varieties.
Is pepitas and pumpkin seeds the same?
Are pumpkin seeds and pepitas the same thing? Technically, yes. But pumpkin seeds have a shell and pepitas [puh-PEE-tahs], which means little nuggets or little seeds of squash in Spanish, don’t. And pepitas come from specific thinner-skinned, hulless pumpkin varieties, such as Lady Godiva.
Are Halloween pumpkins OK to eat?
Sure — as long as it is in good condition and hasn’t’ yet been carved. Pumpkins typically used for jack-o’-lanterns usually are larger, with stringier pulp and more watery flesh. However, you can still eat the jack-o-lantern variety with fairly good results.
What are the weird pumpkins called?
The warty pumpkins are called “Knuckle Heads” and are part of Siegers Seed Company’s bumpy “Super Freak” series. Because of their large jack-o’-lantern shape, it takes at least 10 generations of cross-breeding to produce a pumpkin that’s adequately covered in warts.
Can you eat ghost pumpkins?
Even though these naturally white orbs may look different than the typical Jack-O-Lantern, they are quite similar. The inside or flesh is orange (and edible) just like an orange skinned pumpkin.
Which pumpkins can you not eat?
At the same time, they ask “Are all varieties of pumpkins are edible?” The plain and simple truth is – – Yes, all varieties of pumpkins are edible. Of course, pumpkin seeds are edible, too. Both pumpkin flesh(pulp, or meat) and seeds taste good, and are healthy and nutritious.
What is a Cinderella pumpkin?
Cinderella pumpkins are a type of winter squash with a mild, sweet flavor and moist texture that makes them great for soups, sauces, purees, and curries. They can be roasted, baked and steamed, and used for ornamental purposes.
Are there any poisonous gourds?
Ornamental gourds (colocynths): These are all toxic and should not be consumed.
Is Day of the Dead and Halloween the same?
Although both holidays fall within days of each other, they are not the same. Halloween is celebrated on the last day of October. Día de los Muertos is mainly observed over the first two or three days of November. The first day allows the spirits of children to visit their families.
What is the difference between Day of the Dead and Halloween?
The key difference between Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos is that Halloween is to frighten away the evil spirits while Dia De Los Muertos is to honour, celebrate, and remember the departed loved ones.
How do Mexican celebrate Halloween?
It is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in Mexico, celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revellers don funky make-up and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones.
Are pepitas good for the prostate?
They are rich in zinc.
Normal prostate function relies on optimal zinc levels. For this reason, a handful of pumpkin seeds a 2-3 times a week can improve your prostate health.
Can you eat pepitas raw?
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, can be consumed with or without their shells. Once you’ve scooped them out of the pumpkin, it’s advisable to soak them in water for a few hours to help remove the pulp from the shells.
What are pepitas called in English?
A pumpkin seed, also known in North America as a pepita (from the Mexican Spanish: pepita de calabaza, “little seed of squash”), is the edible seed of a pumpkin or certain other cultivars of squash.
Can dogs eat pepitas?
Pumpkin seeds are safe for dogs in moderation—but not exactly healthy, according to Dr. Wooten. Dogs don’t digest seeds the same as humans. “While people eat pumpkin seeds for the benefits (vitamins, minerals, and fiber), those nutrients aren’t available or beneficial to dogs,” Dr.
Why are store bought pumpkin seeds green?
Seeds straight from the pumpkin are usually white and they look different to the dark green seeds you see in packets. This is because the dark seeds are the inner kernel, and they’re so tricky to extract that we advise against it.