Well technically, on the Pumpkin Seeds Australia site it says ' Often called and confused with the easily obtained 'pepita' from China, which is actually just the unprotected kernel of a regular pumpkin seed, the naked variety is whole and should only be called pumpkin seeds.' Also on this website you can see how the seeds are harvested . The seeds are kept and the pumpkin itself is used to feed the cattle who obviously just love it and I read that chooks love the pumpkin too. They are actually larger than the pepitas but I was thinking I could always chop them up a little to add to the bread.
I ordered some seeds from Green Harvest . I noticed similar seeds are available from Diggers as well and they are called Pumpkin Kakai. Did you realise you could grow your own or do I live under a rock? ;-)
As well as the seeds I also ordered Horseradish and West Indian Lemongrass. I mentioned in a previous post that we already had the East Indian Lemongrass but it is mainly used for tea and as a mulch and the one I really wanted was the one used in cooking. The ladies at Green Harvest said a good way to remember which one is for cooking is to associate the W in West with W for Wok! Good thinking eh?
For years now I have been intending to make Fire Cider but by the time winter comes when it is needed I realise I haven't planted any Horseradish to use in it so this year I was determined to remedy that situation and hopefully will have a nice plant or two to use in years to come. Of course there are many different recipes as you can tell from this Pinterest page.
When you buy plants such as Lemongrass and Horseradish that need to be looked quickly after they arrive in the post, there are detailed instructions included on how to look after each individual plant.
I also bought a mix of seeds and now need to get motivated to start thinking about what I am going to plant and where. We could still get a few frosts here so it can be a bit tricky at this time of year. Winter is not quite over yet and I am sure there will be more cold weather on the way after these lovely warm days we are having at the moment.
Have a great week everyone!
So Chel you don't eat that variety of pumpkin, it is grown only for its seeds? That is a good tip for the lemon grass and when I come to plant mine I will plant the West Indian wok variety on the western side of the garden as a further memory aid.
ReplyDeleteSherri, from what I have read it sounds like you don't eat the pumpkins but I daresay there would be no harm in giving it a try.
DeleteI like your investigative skills. No I did not know the difference and thought pepitas and pumpkin seeds were the same even though I've been eating them forever. Also I never think of growing seeds and thought that was something you just buy.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised too, Zena as I didn't realise you could grown your own.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing how all your plantings go. Take care, Guida.
ReplyDeleteI do hope they take off alright, Guida. I am not the best gardener :-)
DeleteThanks for this insight, I will be getting hold of some of those seeds myself. My chookies will love the pumpkin I'm guessing. Wonder if you could use it for cooking though too?
ReplyDeleteI will give the pumpkin a try, Carissa although it sounds like it doesn't taste too good.
Deletegrowing ones own pepitas might be a good plan but i hate the thought of trying to get them de-seeded! been getting mine from IGA, think theirs is from India. no idea what lemon grass is mine, wasn't even aware there were 2 types since i started buying seeds from green harvest, it's amazing what they have there! ooo horse radish, i just want to grow that for it's greenery, looks very lush.
ReplyDeletethanx for sharing
Selina, I presume you would just have to scrape them out,wash and dry them which is what we often do with the ordinary pumpkins. I believe you can roast them slightly as well. It doesn't sound like it would be too much trouble but time will tell of course.
DeleteWhat a treasure trove of information you have given us, Chel. I had no idea.......I think I will invest in some seeds and give them a try as well. Green Harvest is not far from here if you would like a little trip when you are holidaying in November.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go there, Blinky.
DeleteI just learned something new and also did not realize they were different from pumpkin seeds. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteE3 I am constantly learning new things even at my age.
ReplyDelete