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Pumpkin Seed Oil - The Health-Enhancing Oil
Pumpkin seed oil comes from South East Austria, North West Croatia, and Slovenia. Newer seed producers are located in Canada, China, and India. To make this oil, roasted, hulled pumpkin seeds are pressed. The oil is thick and varies between a light green and dark red color. When mixed with yogurt, it goes bright green. Pumpkins seed oil is unusual and nutty in flavor and the brown variety tastes slightly bitter. This oil is winning favor with chefs all over the world because of its unique taste and nutritional benefits.
How to Make Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkins are harvested in the fall when ripe. Their seeds are removed manually. You need about 2½ lbs of pumpkin seeds to make a pint of pumpkin seed oil. When the seeds have been removed, they are washed then dried. These seeds are then roasted for several minutes at about 140ºF, and then pressed using high pressure. From this pressing comes the oil, which is then bottle and packaged.
Uses of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Cooking and baking with pumpkin seed oil is possible but the fatty acids are completely destroyed, along with its nutritional value. You can use it to make sausages, cakes, and sauces. You can mix pumpkin seed oil with olive oil or honey to make a tasty salad dressing. Mixing it with apple cider vinegar and salt also makes a flavorsome dressing.
Pumpkin seed oil keeps for a long time in the refrigerator and rarely turns rancid. You can add a couple of tablespoons to some fruit and yogurt for a nutritious breakfast smoothie or drizzle some over steak or fish before serving. Pumpkin oil can also be used as a base oil in aromatherapy treatments.
Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
Organic pumpkin seed oil is cold-pressed and unrefined, to make sure all the nutrients remain intact. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 8 months. Organic pumpkin seed oil varies between yellow and yellowish green in color. Organic pumpkin seed oil should contain 100% pumpkin seeds without any additives. Inferior pumpkin oil has sunflower seed oil added to thin it out.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are very good for the body. It is used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and is also believed to fight depression, lower the risk of kidney stones, and help with enlarged prostates and bladder problems. Pumpkin seed oil can also destroy tapeworms. The oil is rich in zinc, vitamins A, and E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it one of the healthiest oils on the market.
Recipe - Pumpkin Oil Salad Dressing
Ingredients -
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2½ tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon pumpkin seed oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon honey
1 pinch of salt
Preparation:
Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk with a fork. This dressing makes will refrigerate for a couple of days but you need to give it a good stir before serving. When serving this dressing, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds as a topping.
(Serves 6)
Wine Suggestion:
Wine to Serve with Pumpkin Oil Salad Dressing
Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling are all good options for a pumpkin oil salad dressing. When making salad recipes try to avoid using vinegar where possible, since it ruins the flavor of your wine. Balsamic vinegar as a natural sweetness so that would be an exception to this rule.
Vinaigrettes and most salad dressings are well balanced by serving an herby white wine with them. If you are serving the salad on the side and the entree is a hearty steak or lamb dish, you might like to serve the salad first with one of these white wines and a bold red with the meat.
