Pumpkin seeds, kumdar dana (Bengali), nan gua zi (Chinese)
(Cucurbita pepo – Family Cucuburticaceae)
Pumpkin seeds are obtained from almost all varieties of pumpkins or squash. Pumpkins and some of their relatives can grow to be quite large, supplying many dozens of seeds within. These highly edible and nutritious seeds are enjoyed worldwide, especially in Central Europe and the Balkans, as well as in Central America. They can be eaten raw or roasted and with or without seasoning. They normally have seed coats which are usually not eaten unless toasted to a crunchy crispness. There is a variety of C. pepo that has developed naked seeds and aptly named “Lady Godiva.”
