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Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed and Nutrition Profile of 35 Pumpkin Accessions

Geoffrey Meru, Yuqing Fu, Dayana Leyva, Paul Sarnoski, and Yavuz Yagiz

Introduction

Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.) is high in oil, protein, and total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) and provides an important source of nutrition and income globally. Use of pumpkin seed in the snacking and vegetable oil industry in the US is expected to rise as the market for healthy foods increases. Pumpkin seed is a popular ingredient in snacks sold in retail stores across the country, such as trail mixes with various nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and is also used as an ingredient in breakfast cereal and bread (Baxter et al. 2012; Loy 2004). In addition, pumpkin seed oil can be purchased by the bottle for use in salads, or as formulated capsules in health food stores (Stevenson et al. 2007). This article will discuss the health benefits, production, processing, and nutritional profile of pumpkin seed.

Currently, most of the pumpkin seed consumed in the US is imported, hence the need to breed high-yielding and nutritious accessions (cultivars) that are locally adapted to various agro-ecological zones in the country. To meet the current and projected demand for pumpkin seed in the US, it is critical for growers to have access to pumpkin cultivars with optimized seed yield, seed size, and seed nutrition. Pumpkin cultivars without seed coat (naked seed) are preferred for snacking and oil production because they eliminate the need for manual de-hulling prior to use. In addition, they are generally higher in oil content than the hulled cultivars. The naked seed trait is conferred by a single recessive mutation that leads to significant reduction in the amounts of lignin and cellulose in the hypodermis, sclerenchyma, and parenchyma tissues of the seed coat (Fruhwirth and Hermetter 2007). Depending on the level of lignification or cellulose in the seed coat, several types of seed phenotypes may form (Figure 1).

 

Figure 1. Various Cucurbita pepo seed phenotypes, where A) represents hulled seeds, B) represents semi-hulled seeds, C) represents thin layered seeds, and D) represents 'naked' seeds.
Figure 1.  Various Cucurbita pepo seed phenotypes, where A) represents hulled seeds, B) represents semi-hulled seeds, C) represents thin layered seeds, and D) represents 'naked' seeds.
Credit: Geoffrey Meru

 

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin seed is a nutritious food with a high oil (50% w/w) and protein (35%) content that varies depending on cultivar (Fruhwirth and Hermetter 2007). Palmitic (= 15%), stearic (= 8%), oleic (= 47%), and linoleic (= 61%) fatty acids are the main components of the oil (Bavec et al. 2007), while albumins and globulins make up approximately 60% of the crude protein. The oil content and fatty acid composition of pumpkin seed is comparable to that of soybean (Glycine max) (Panthee et al. 2005), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) (Baboli and Kordi 2010; Tang et al. 2006), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) (Yermanos et al. 1967), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) (Jarret and Levy 2012; Meru and McGregor 2014). The high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) in pumpkin seed oil provide health benefits that reduce risks of arteriosclerosis and heart-related ailments (Wassom et al. 2008). Pumpkin seed contains significant levels of antioxidants (tocopherols and tocotrienols) that have been associated with a reduced risk of gastric, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer (Lelley et al. 2009; Nesaretnam et al. 2007; Stevenson et al. 2007). Furthermore, phytosterols in pumpkin seed play a key role in lowering cholesterol levels and the treatment of enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia) (Fruhwirth and Hermetter 2007; Thompson and Grundy 2005).

Production and Processing of Seed Pumpkins

Growers should follow guidelines used in conventional pumpkin production (Bavec et al. 2007). Direct seeding is the most cost-effective system, but it requires seeding equipment and optimum germination conditions. A pneumatic corn seeder can be used for mechanical planting of pumpkin seeds (Bavec et al. 2007). Transplants on raised beds may be used in areas where low temperatures can hamper seed germination. Plant density affects total fruit yield, fruit size, number of fruit per plant, and seed yield (Napier 2009) and is dependent upon the growth habit (vinous, bush, or semi-bush) of the pumpkin cultivar grown. Management of diseases (fungal/fungal-like, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes) should be done conventionally. Harvesting of fruit should be done at maturity to achieve maximum seed oil content (Bavec et al. 2007). Separation of flesh and seed can be achieved manually or mechanically. For oil production, harvested pumpkin seeds should be dried to a 5–7% moisture content and ground. To form soft pulp, water and salt should be added and the pulp roasted for up to 60 min at temperatures around 100°C to allow coagulation of the protein fraction and convenient separation of the lipid fraction by pressing. Pressing should be carried out under isothermal conditions at pressures between 300 and 600 bar. The obtained seed oil should be stored in dark bottles to avoid light-induced deterioration (Fruhwirth and Hermetter 2007). Alternatively, pumpkin seed oil can be extracted through the cold press method, meaning seeds are ground in a screw press at temperatures less than 49°C, causing the oil to be expelled under pressure. Although the latter method produces more pristine oil, extraction efficiency is reduced and some of the oil remains in the seed pulp. After oil extraction, the remnant pressing cake contains a significant level of nutritious components (>60% proteins) and can be used as an animal feed (Fruhwirth and Hermetter 2007; Lelley et al. 2009).

Nutrition Profile of 35 Pumpkin Seed Accessions

Availability of highly nutritious pumpkin seed products is of utmost importance to the consumer. Generally, consumers prefer large-seeded accessions for snacking, but seed size does not matter for consumers of pumpkin seed oil. In addition, pumpkin seed for snacking may be bred for either high protein or high oil value, but for oil production, the latter is a necessity. Pumpkin cultivars can vary greatly in seed oil and protein content, fatty acid composition, and seed size. It is therefore important for consumers/growers to have information on the nutrition profile of pumpkin accessions, so that they can choose those that meet their needs. To generate this information, the Cucurbit Research Program at the University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center examined key nutrition traits among 35 pumpkin seed accessions. Seed oil and protein content was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance, while fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography. Data for the 35 pumpkin seed accessions is presented in Table 1. In general, naked pumpkin accessions were higher in seed oil content and seed size than hulled accessions (Table 2). On the contrary, the reverse was true for seed protein content. Styrian pumpkin and PI 379309 had the highest seed oil content among the naked seed and hulled accessions, respectively. In comparison to major oil crops, the level of healthy fats (unsaturated fatty acids: oleic and linoleic acid) in the current study (78.6%–86.1%) was similar to that of soybean (84.4%) and sunflower (88.6%) (Baboli and Kordi 2010). As mentioned before, unsaturated fatty acids contribute towards reduced risk of arteriosclerosis and heart-related ailments. However, high linoleic acid content in pumpkin seed oil lowers the heat stability of the derived oil, making it unsuitable for cooking. This challenge may be alleviated by developing high-oleic acid, low-linoleic acid pumpkin seed cultivars suitable for production of cooking oil; development of these cultivars will be a focus in our breeding program.

References

Baboli, Z.M., and A. Kordi. 2010. "Characteristics and composition of watermelon seed oil and solvent extraction parameters effects." J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc. 87:667–671. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-010-1546-5 

Bavec, F., S.G. Mlakar, C. Rozman, and M. Bavec. 2007. "Oil pumpkins: Niche for organic producers." In. J. Janick and A. Whipkey (eds.) Issues in new crops and new uses. Alexandria, VA: ASHS Press.

Baxter, G.G., K. Murphy, and A. Paech. 2012. The Potential to Produce Pumpkin Seed for Processing in North East Victoria. Rural Industries Development Corporation 11/145: 5–36.

Fruhwirth, G.O., and A. Hermetter. 2007. "Seeds and oil of the Styrian oil pumpkin: Components and biological activities." Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 109:1128–1140. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.200700105

Jarret, R. and I. Levy. 2012. "Oil and fatty acid contents in seed of Citrullus lanatus Schrad." J. Agr. Food Chem. 60:5199–5204. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf300046f

Lelley, T., B. Loy, and M. Murkovic. 2009. "Hull-Less oil seed pumpkin." In J. Vollmann and I. Rajcan (eds.), Oil Crops, Handbook of Plant Breeding. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-77594-4_16

Loy, J.B. 2004. "Morpho-physiological aspects of productivity and quality in squash and pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.)." Critical Reviews Plant Sci. 23:337–363. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352680490490733

Meru, G., and C. McGregor. 2014. "Quantitative trait loci and candidate genes associated with fatty acid content of watermelon seed." J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 139:433–441. https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS.139.4.433

Napier, T. (2009) Pumpkin Production. Primefacts for profitable, adaptive and sustainable primary industries. New South Wales Industry and Investment Primefact 964.

Nesaretnam et al. 2007. "Tocotrienol levelsin adipose tissue of benign and malignant breast lumps in patients in Malaysia. Asia. Pac." J. Clin. Nutr. 16:498–504.

Panthee, D., V. Pantalone, D. West, A. Saxton, and C. Sams. 2005. "Quantitative trait loci for seed protein and oil concentration, and seed size in soybean." Crop Sci. 45:2015–2022. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2004.0720

Stevenson, D.G., F.J. Eller, L. Wang, J.L. Jane, T. Wang, and G.E. Inglett. 2007. "Oil and tocopherol content and composition of pumpkin seed oil in 12 cultivars." J. Agric. Food Chem. 55:4005–4013. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0706979

Tang, S., A. Leon, W.C. Bridges, and S.J. Knapp. 2006. "Quantitative trait loci for genetically correlated seed traits are tightly linked to branching and pericarp pigment loci in sunflower." Crop Sci. 46:721–734.  https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2005.0006-7

Thompson, G.R., and S.M. Grundy. 2005. "History and development of plant sterol and stanol esters for cholesterol-lowering purposes." Am. J. Cardiol. 96: 3D–9D. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2005.03.013

Wassom, J.J., V. Mikkelineni, M.O. Bohn, and T.R. Rocheford. 2008. "QTL for fatty acid composition of maize kernel oil in Illinois High Oil· B73 backcross-derived lines." Crop Sci. 48:69–78. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2007.04.0208

Yermanos, D., S. Hemstreet, and M. Garber. 1967. "Inheritance of quality and quantity of seed-oil in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)." Crop Sci. 7:417–422. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1967.0011183X000700050004x

Tables

Table 1. 

Seed phenotype, seed oil percentage, seed protein percentage, fatty acid composition, and seed size (seed weight, seed length, and seed width) for 35 Cucurbita pepo accessions.

Accession

Seed phenotype

Seed oil (%)

Seed protein (%)

Palmitic

acid (%)

Stearic acid (%)

Oleic acid (%)

Linoleic acid (%)

10 Seed

weight (g)

Seed

length (mm)

Seed

width (mm)

PI 615086

Hulled

32.96

27.36

10.75

4.87

34.02

48.28

0.71

11.33

7.29

Saffron

Hulled

38.26

31.13

9.51

3.91

31.43

52.68

0.90

12.44

7.83

Sweet Dumpling

Hulled

29.33

31.35

7.80

3.35

23.84

62.00

0.63

11.20

7.61

Bush Delicata

Hulled

33.78

26.39

6.82

4.45

24.65

61.48

0.61

9.94

7.33

Honey Bear

Hulled

37.26

23.11

6.71

5.61

28.14

56.55

1.09

12.71

8.01

Yellow Crookneck

Hulled

39.26

24.42

7.05

4.92

28.74

56.39

0.82

11.73

6.74

Table Queen

Hulled

39.68

21.78

6.91

5.34

34.45

50.44

0.76

11.82

7.25

Early Prolific

Hulled

38.85

23.20

7.98

4.24

39.07

46.16

0.89

11.84

7.63

Black Beauty

Hulled

33.83

23.54

10.70

7.17

38.39

41.13

1.32

14.22

8.36

Baby Bear

Semi-hulled

39.69

28.51

9.07

6.64

24.18

57.49

1.25

14.86

8.84

Triple Treat

Semi-hulled

39.04

26.67

8.87

6.47

39.74

42.83

1.71

15.60

8.14

PI 615102

Semi-hulled

42.83

25.81

10.50

4.59

18.42

64.05

1.16

14.45

8.45

PI 379309

Semi-hulled

48.41

23.74

10.46

6.71

26.50

54.22

1.81

16.17

9.07

PI 364240

Semi-hulled

42.21

28.14

9.42

7.18

40.97

40.49

1.43

16.59

8.55

PI 406679

Semi-hulled

42.37

26.13

10.51

6.36

25.64

55.25

1.60

19.33

9.24

PI 406678

Semi-hulled

45.82

23.94

9.77

5.04

31.51

51.22

1.90

18.47

9.48

PI 267660

Thin layer

43.54

23.75

9.37

4.69

23.25

60.21

1.06

12.20

7.50

PI 267661

Thin layer

44.17

25.88

10.68

6.54

27.19

52.38

1.31

15.98

8.40

PI 267662

Thin layer

44.72

22.77

9.79

5.80

33.95

47.18

1.50

13.77

8.41

PI 267664

Thin layer

47.38

19.59

10.24

5.07

27.08

54.52

1.64

14.17

7.97

PI 420330

Thin layer

45.78

23.27

10.80

4.66

23.02

58.50

1.50

17.40

8.46

PI 420331

Thin layer

43.06

27.10

11.49

5.22

24.01

56.14

1.26

18.05

9.03

PI 506441

Thin layer

45.04

24.78

10.07

4.83

33.72

48.51

1.24

14.50

7.44

Little Greenseed

Thin layer

41.45

28.37

10.11

7.65

31.39

49.15

0.75

12.97

7.24

Yellow Submarine

Thin layer

43.22

21.44

11.48

6.17

28.42

51.43

0.86

15.24

8.03

PI 490278

Thin layer

41.32

26.07

8.53

6.07

42.53

40.19

1.48

16.49

8.16

Beppo

Naked

47.17

22.21

11.64

5.82

21.39

58.83

2.87

18.54

10.38

Styrian

Naked

48.20

24.74

9.88

6.77

25.48

55.90

2.41

18.11

9.21

Lady Godiva

Naked

41.85

21.61

12.64

4.99

35.10

44.01

1.47

16.60

8.52

Slovenska Golica

Naked

45.43

22.99

10.71

6.77

43.53

37.40

2.12

16.72

8.94

Kakai

Naked

44.74

19.48

10.30

5.94

46.09

35.38

1.73

16.51

8.64

PI 615104

Naked

43.30

25.97

11.65

7.24

26.89

51.66

1.67

17.09

9.41

PI 364241

Naked

43.16

21.92

10.90

5.04

37.42

44.25

1.42

15.32

8.17

PI 615133

Naked

44.56

23.22

10.64

4.97

34.41

47.82

2.17

16.68

9.19

PI 311741

Naked

43.02

21.53

10.99

6.08

22.60

57.88

1.84

17.54

8.94

Table 2. 

Means for seed oil percentage, seed protein percentage, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and seed size (seed weight, seed length and seed width) among 35 Cucurbita pepo accessions with hulled, semi-hulled, thin layer, and 'naked' seed phenotypes. Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P < 0.05).

Seed type

Seed oil (%)

Seed protein (%)

Palmitic acid (%)

Stearic

acid (%)

Oleic

acid (%)

Linoleic acid (%)

Seed weight (g)

Seed length (mm)

Seed width (mm)

Hulled (n= 9)

35.91b

25.81ab

8.25b

4.87a

31.41a

52.79a

0.86c

11.92b

7.56b

Semi-hulled (n= 7)

42.91a

26.13a

9.80a

6.14a

29.56a

52.22a

1.55ab

16.50a

8.82a

Thin layer (n= 10)

43.97a

24.30ab

10.25a

5.67a

29.45a

51.82a

1.26bc

15.08a

8.06b

Naked (n= 9)

44.60a

22.63b

11.04a

5.96a

32.54a

48.12a

1.97a

17.01a

9.04a

 

Also Available in: English

Publication #HS1312

Release Date:November 30, 2021

Related Experts

Sarnoski, Paul J.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Meru, Geoffrey Mugambi

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

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Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is HS1312, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2017. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Geoffrey Meru, assistant professor, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center; Yuqing Fu, biological scientist II, UF/IFAS TREC; Dayana Leyva, research intern, UF/IFAS TREC; Paul Sarnoski, assistant professor, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; and Yavuz Yagiz, research and development manager, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Geoffrey Meru