Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Seed

A pumpkin seed, also known as a “pepita”, means “little seed of squash”. Cucurbita pepo is the pumpkin species of the genus: Cucurbita, family: Cucurbits, sub-family: Cucurbitaceae, genera: Cucurbita L. Cucurbita pepo L. is the species among Cucurbitaceae family having the greatest monetary value of the genus. The seeds are typically rather flat, asymmetrically oval, light green in color, and may have a white outer hull. The Cucurbita pepo seeds have potential application and can be used as an alternative oil and protein source in novel food formulations such as cooking oils, as an ingredient in margarine blends, flours for instant soups, cookies, etc.