Through The Fibro Fog

  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Ebooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Ebooks
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Summer Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Ebooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Food and Recipe Tips

What Do Pumpkin Seeds Taste Like? (With Recipes)

Published: Apr 16, 2023 by Claire · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious seed and tasty pantry staple suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. But what do pumpkin seeds taste like? And how can we use both pumpkin seeds and pepitas in our recipes?

Let's talk about pumpkin seeds, their flavor, texture and how to cook with them!

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dietetic advice in any way.

glass jar of pumpkin seeds on a wooden board with a small wooden spoon of pumpkin seeds next to it.
Jump to:
  • What are Pumpkin Seeds?
  • Are Pumpkin Seeds the Same as Pepitas?
  • How Do you Purchase Pumpkin Seeds?
  • Storage of Pumpkin Seeds
  • What Do Pumpkin Seeds Taste Like?
  • What are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds?
  • How Can We Use Pumpkin Seeds?
  • Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
  • How Can We Use Pepitas?
  • Top Breakfast Recipes
  • Top Smoothie Bowls
  • Make Pumpkin Seed Butter
  • Added to Baked Goods
  • Make Pesto
  • Make Salad Dressing
  • Sprinkle over Salads
  • Add to Trail Mix
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Recipe Tips
  • 💬 Comments

What are Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are the seeds found in pumpkins, as the name suggests. They are white in color, and have a hard texture. It is easy to remove pumpkin seeds from pumpkins yourself, perhaps when carving pumpkins around Halloween!

If you're thinking of green pumpkin seeds that are found in supermarkets and health food shops, these are usually pepitas, a type of pumpkin seed from particular varieties of hull-less pumpkins.

Are Pumpkin Seeds the Same as Pepitas?

Pepitas are actually a type of pumpkin seed. As Food and Wine describes, pepitas are 'a variety of pumpkin seeds without a shell that can only be found in specific hulless pumpkin varieties, such as Styrian or Oil Seed pumpkins'.

How Do you Purchase Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds come in small or large packages from stores and are typically easy to find, and relatively inexpensive.

It's also possible to buy pumpkin seed butter, which is blended seeds that turn into a smooth butter.

Storage of Pumpkin Seeds

It's best to store pumpkin seeds in a sealed container in a cool dark place. Some people prefer to keep their seeds in the refrigerator.

What Do Pumpkin Seeds Taste Like?

Pumpkin seeds have quite a subtle nutty taste. It can be described as earthy and savory. As they do not have a strong taste these seeds can easily be flavored by roasting, salting or adding herbs and spices.

Pumpkin seed butter has a rich and nutty taste, with a hint of 'earthy' flavor. It's creamy in texture, much like nut butters.

Do check out my posts on the taste of sesame seeds and the taste of chia seeds if you like to use nuts in your recipes!

What are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds?

In their description of the health benefits of pumpkin seeds, Healthline describes that they are a rich source of 'antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium' as well as fiber. They may be associated with improved fertility, better heart health, and enhanced blood sugar control (Healthline).

pumpkin seeds in a glass jar next to a spoonful of them on a wooden board next to a beige cloth.

How Can We Use Pumpkin Seeds?

Raw pumpkin seeds can be dried and roasted, with herbs and spices for extra flavor. They make for a nutritious snack that can be enjoyed as it is, perhaps as a swap for chips or nuts.

Pumpkin seeds are often used as a swap for nuts for those with a nut allergy. They are also vegan, gluten free and a low histamine seed per the SIGHI list. See my post on low histamine nuts and seeds for more ideas on how to make recipes with these pantry staples if you have this dietary requirement.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Toasted pumpkin seeds make for a tasty and healthy snack, and a good alternative to chips! If using the green shelled pumpkin seeds you can simply add to a dry skillet (without oil), and heat gently. They will begin to very slightly brown and pop. Don't let them burn!

For raw pumpkin seeds that have come straight from a pumpkin, you can roast pumpkin seeds in the oven after drizzling with olive oil and some spices if you like.

How Can We Use Pepitas?

Although the terms pumpkin seed and pepita are often used interchangeably, the following recipe ideas are typically best when using green pepitas (the kind you get in the store).

Top Breakfast Recipes

Pumpkin seeds / pepitas are a nutritious pantry staple that are often used to top oatmeal, chia puddings or other breakfast recipes. They add a nice crunch as well as health benefits to start your day!

Top Smoothie Bowls

If you're looking for some fun toppings for your smoothie bowls, pumpkin seeds make an ideal choice. They are easy to find in stores and relatively inexpensive in comparison to other nuts and seeds.

Make Pumpkin Seed Butter

Making homemade pumpkin seed butter is actually fairly easy if you have a high speed blender. The pumpkin seeds get chopped into small pieces, then over time they release their oils and change into a smooth butter.

Pumpkin seed butter is a good swap for nut butter if you are nut free.

Added to Baked Goods

Pumpkin seeds can be added to baked goods such as bars, cookies or pumpkin seed clusters. They add crunch, substance and are healthy too.

Make Pesto

If you are nut free or just like a change, pumpkin seeds can be used to make pumpkin seed pesto for your pesto pasta dinner! Simply blend your seeds with basil, garlic and olive oil (and optionally Parmesan cheese) to make a nut free pesto.

Check out my post on alternatives to pine nuts for pesto for more ideas!

Make Salad Dressing

As a change from a vinaigrette or creamy dressing, it is easy to make a pumpkin seed dressing to drizzle over your healthy salads.

Sprinkle over Salads

A small handful of pumpkin seeds can be used to add crunch to your summer salads. They provide a small source of vegan protein and make your salad a little more hearty.

Add to Trail Mix

Making trail mix is very simple, and pumpkin seeds are a great addition alongside other nuts, seeds and dried fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do pumpkin seeds taste like?

Pumpkin seeds have a subtle nutty taste.

How are pumpkin seeds purchased?

Pumpkin seeds from the store are typically purchased as either whole raw pumpkin seeds or as the green pepitas (often called pumpkin seeds on packets too). You can also purchase pumpkin seed butter.

Are pumpkin seeds used for sweet or savory dishes?

Pumpkin seeds or pepitas can be used for sweet dishes such as baked goods, as well as sprinkled over savory dishes such as salads.

Can you eat raw pumpkin seeds?

It is possible to eat raw pumpkin seeds, but they have more flavor if roasted in the oven with oil and herbs or spice.

More Recipe Tips

Have a peek at my posts on the taste of cardamom and the flavor of nutmeg for more ideas to make your fun recipes! More tips to check out:

  • warm oat milk in a white cup with a gold rim being held next to white flowers and a cup on a pink plate.
    How to Heat Oat Milk (Stove Top and Microwave)
  • goji berries in a cream bowl on a wooden board with a spoonful above it.
    What Do Goji Berries Taste Like? (And How To Use Them)
  • nutmeg in a white bowl on a blue cloth.
    What Does Nutmeg Taste Like? (With Recipes)
  • macadamia nuts in a glass jar.
    What Do Macadamia Nuts Taste Like? (With Recipes)

I'm always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes and resources!

Don't forget to pin the post!

labelled what do pumpkin seeds taste like with a glass jar of pumpkin seeds on a wooden board.
Tweet
Share
Pin
Share

More Food and Recipe Tips

  • lemon balm growing in a pot.
    What Does Lemon Balm Taste Like? (With Recipes)
  • bowl of chia seeds with a wooden spoon on top on a round wooden board.
    What Do Chia Seeds Taste Like? (With Recipes)
  • cardamom in a white bowl with a spoonful on top on a wooden board.
    What Does Cardamom Taste Like? (With Recipes)
  • pistachio nuts in a glass jar on a round wooden board.
    What Do Pistachios Taste Like? (With Recipes)

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I’m Claire. After a diagnosis of MCAS I began to follow a low histamine diet, which has helped me manage my symptoms. Here I hope to show that a restrictive diet can still be full of flavourful meals, and help you enjoy being creative in the kitchen.

More about me →

Summer Recipes

  • baked rosemary thyme chicken on a white plate next to arugula.
    Baked Rosemary Thyme Chicken
  • chicken pesto pasta salad in a white bowl next to fresh basil leaves, radishes and salad servers.
    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
  • apple and cucumber salad in a white bowl with a spoon in it next to red apples and mint leaves.
    Apple and Cucumber Salad
  • cucumber celery salad on a white plate next to fresh mint leaves and olive oil.
    Cucumber Celery Salad
  • brown bowl of tropical mango coleslaw with mint next to it.
    Tropical Mango Coleslaw
  • two glasses of peach honey mocktail.
    Peach Mocktail

Featured On

collage of featured in brand names including parade, finding vegan, feed feed, food gawker, msn, big oven and trivet recipes.

Popular Recipes

  • chicken thighs on a cream fluted plate garnished with herbs.
    Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • stack of grated potato fritters on a white plate with fresh herbs and glass of water in the background.
    Grated Potato Fritters
  • creamy paprika chicken in a light grey skillet.
    Creamy Paprika Chicken
  • cod fillet, roasted potatoes and vegetables on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Frozen Cod

As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Please see my disclaimer. I am not a doctor or healthcare professional. All posts are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical or dietetic advice in any way.

veda ambassador logo.

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Me

Copyright © 2025 Through The Fibro Fog