Pepitas

Pepitas are seeds from the calabaza (pumpkin). In Mexico (where the seeds come from dating back to the Aztecs), they are called pepita verde, and they are the green inside kernel of a large white pumpkin seed. In the U.S., they are the green hull-less seed of a pumpkin, which was bred mostly for pumpkin oil production (a cultivar of Cucurbita pepo). In Mexico, pepitas are still an important food, particularly in the Yucatan region. They can be eaten as a snack, used as a healthful addition to salads or soups. Read more about pepita varieties, history, traditional recipes, and uses for pepitas.

Where To Buy Pepitas

You can purchase pepitas raw, toasted, or toasted and salted, or toasted, salted and flavored with lime and chile.  The little seeds are found in most any health food stores including Whole Foods where they stock them in bulk.  Most of these are produced in China.  There are two main U.S. sources and you can find them both online at Amazon.com.

If you don't have pepitas you can substitute:

• As a snack you can use whole pumpkin seeds (with hulls on).
• OR - Use sunflower seeds whole as a snack or with shell removed use them as a topping for salads or soups.
• OR - Use pine nuts (best toasted) as a snack or to top your salad greens or a soup.