Culinary Spice Article - Published in The News newspaper on September 24, 2010

Q: I have heard that eating watermelon seeds can help with “Traveler’s Sickness”. Is that true? Jessica in Mexico City



A: If you like the taste of them, watermelon seeds are not harmful and despite what your uncle may have told you, they won’t cause a watermelon to grow in your stomach! The seeds of watermelon are a good source of antioxidants, protein and fiber, but I don’t think they can prevent stomach problems while traveling.



You are probably thinking of pumpkin seeds, called pepitas in Mexico. Along with being delicious, pepitas are a traditional remedy for parasites. They have properties that help expel parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms. They can be found in markets throughout the country, usually already roasted and salted. You can make your own by spreading them on a cookie sheet and roasting at a low temperature for 15 minutes, then sprinkling with salt. Roasting them for a short time at a low temperature helps to preserve their healthy oils.



In addition to helping with parasites, pepitas have many nutritional qualities. They contain protein, iron, vitamins B & E, fiber, oil, and minerals. Pepitas aid milk production in lactating mothers and are used to reduce postpartum swelling of the hands and feet. The carotenoids and the omega-3 fats found in pepitas may have potential prostate benefits. They are high in zinc, which is also important to prostate health.



As with most seeds and nuts, pepitas have high oil content so they will go rancid quickly. Purchase in amounts you will use within a week or so. Store in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Pepitas can also be placed in freezer proof bags and frozen for up to 6 months or more.



Pepitas are great eaten plain as a snack; or you can put them in salads, sautéed vegetables or over your oatmeal in the morning. Give burgers a nutritional boost by adding ground pepitas to the meat before cooking. I like to puree pepitas for use in salad dressings. If you are suffering from stomach problems, try grinding pumpkin seeds into a powder, mix with aloe vera juice and drink on an empty stomach in the morning.



Q: What is the best way to get strong smells off of my wooden cutting board? My apples tasted like garlic this morning. I don’t want to use bleach, thanks. Kurt, Mexico City



A: The easiest way I have found to remove smells from wooden cutting boards is to sprinkle the board with kosher salt and scrub with a lime that is cut in half. The salt draws out moisture from the wood and the lime contains anti-bacterial properties. If this doesn’t work for you and you don’t want to use bleach, make a slurry of baking soda and boiling water. Scrub well and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off and the smell should be gone.



If you have the room, you may want to consider buying a separate board to use when cutting food with strong odors such as onions and garlic. Be sure to scrub your wooden cutting boards well and regularly coat them in mineral oil to maintain their surface.