Dear mmatw-ga;
Your question about the proper way to eat pumpkin seeds is an
interesting one. As it turns out, the whole issue is a matter of
personal preference.
The “shell”, or “hull” as it is sometimes called, of a pumpkin seed
isn’t actually a shell at all. It is a naturally occurring fibrous
coat that serves to protect the inner seed (incorrectly referred to by
some as a “nut”). This “shell” is not only edible but considered a
beneficial source of fiber. For centuries, people have reported being
cured of various ailments after a steady diet of unshelled seeds, and
of late, some studies indicate that unshelled seeds may even have a
positive impact on conditions such as urinary tract infections.
Because of the high fiber content found in the hull, pumpkins seeds,
as a dietary supplement, was also used extensively in the late 19th
century and early 20th century as a recommended means of combating
intestinal parasites. In fact, for seventy-three years “The United
States Pharmacopoeia” listed pumpkin seeds as an official medicine for
parasite elimination (from 1863 to 1936). This is, of course, before
the advent of more scientific medicines. It is possible, I suppose,
that one could get too much fiber from eating a huge amount of
unshelled pumpkin seeds, but other than that, the only known danger is
the toxic substance that is produced by a sprouting seed’s embryo. The
seeds should be examined and any found to be sprouting should be
discarded.
Otherwise, to shell or not to shell, is a matter of personal
preference. The practice of shelling the seeds before eating them
seems to be as common as eating them unshelled. While roasted pumpkin
seeds are indeed eaten whole by many people, most prefer to shell them
before using them as garnishes and ingredients.
I cannot begin to guess whether the two of you are disappointed or
delighted to know that neither of you are wrong, but look on the
bright side; you’ll always be guaranteed to get the lion’s share. Any
man who likes to eat things by the handful would be thankful to share
with someone who prefers to eat things one at a time.
You will find relatively equal support for both methods of consuming
pumpkin seeds in the links below. If it’s any consolation, I feel your
pain. Personally, I prefer to eat them with the shell “on”, but that
doesn’t necessarily make it right. My wife, who, like most wives, is
always right, meticulously shells them while staring at me as if I had
three heads. I hope you find this information helpful and
entertaining. I look forward to working with you again in the near
future.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga
INFORMATION SOURCES
“Gomar's Illustrated Guide to Eating Pumpkin Seeds”
http://members.iinet.net.au/~hafez/pumpkin/htpumpkin.htm
“Healthworld Online – Foods – Seeds”
http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1751
“Foodnotes – Pumpkins Seeds”
http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Pumpkin_Seeds.htm
“Intestinal Parasites”
http://www.angelfire.com/il2/purpleflame/Herbs/intestparasites.html
“HOW PUMPKIN SEEDS SOLVED MY BPH INDUCED URINARY TRACT INFECTION”
http://www.dnai.com/~dcooley/download/pumpkin.pdf
Pumpkin – EnaturalHealthCenter.com
http://www.e2121.com/food_db/viewherb.php3?viewid=86
“Toasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe”
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blv14.htm
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“How to eat” pumpkin seeds
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