PEPITAS DE MELÓN O DE CALABAZA - MELON OR GROUD SEEDS

Gourd with Seeds
Photo by: Lord-Williams

They are sun dried or lightly toasted to eliminate any existing poisons in the kernels and sold in the streets especially in Andalusia.

They have been popular at Christmas time when used to garnish main dishes and desserts. Gourd seeds were considered food for a king as seen in Nola’s recipe for Gourd Seed Pudding,

Melon seeds are used in medicines to treat diabetes today. It is now known that melon seeds are known to reduce cardiovascular risks by normalizing blood-fat levels. They contain nutrients, which help to heal wounds. They reduce osteoporosis and promote healthy teeth and bone growth. Melon seeds are rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids.

[ES: Medieval Spanish Chef. Majar. Posted Feb 3, ’16; ES: Smart Cookery. “Melon Seeds.” Posted Nov 11, 16; Nola. 1989:xx-4; and Nola/Pérez. 1994:211]

See blog titled Majar, published February 3, 2016 for Nola's recipe for "Gourd Seed Pudding."

A Perfect Pudding of Ground Gourd Seeds
with Almond Milk
Photo by: Lord-Williams