A little over a year ago while leisurely strolling along the *Haarlemmerstraat in Amsterdam I sampled a delightful product in **Meeuwig & Zn. a specialised oil, vinegar and mustard shop.
The sampling itself was rather different, not done by dipping a piece of bread but cupping and tasting from your own hand! Apparently this is true tasting.
Pumpkin seed oil: It was quite delicious, nothing like I had never yet experienced, it had an uniquely extraordinary taste. Unfortunately due to circumstances I was unable to purchase at the time (my friend and I were on our way to a concert) The substance however lingered in my memory, but before I could go back to Amsterdam my friend spotted it on the shelves at- her local Lidl store!
Pumpkin oil from Styria (in German Steieirmark)
It has been popular and highly valued in Austria (and parts of Slovenia and Hungary) for many years. It is only here that the conditions are ideal for producing a perfect harvest. It is as widely in use in this area as olive oil is in other Mediterranean countries. In fact it forms a staple part of their diet. It seems to me they have been rather unwilling to share, almost a well kept secret. But now it seems it has been discovered and is now appearing on the menu in many top restaurants. It is gaining a reputation among chefs worldwide not only because of its unique taste but because of it is highly nutritional values.
It is very organically produced, often on family farms that has been producing quality oils for generations. The seeds are obtained from the Styrian pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo styriaca) and are characterized by being hull-less or 'naked' (having a thin membrane as opposed to the thick husk of conventional pumpkin seeds), they are dark green in colour, they are first roasted and are then easily crushed (cold pressed) to extract the highly prized and expensive edible oil otherwise known as 'Green Gold'.
It takes 2.5 kilo of pumpkin seeds to produce 1 liter oil. Not only is its intensive nutty flavour remarkable also the colour, it has a deep green (which looks red in the light) colour. Because it is expensive it is often mixed with cheaper oils i.e. sunflower oil but in my opinion it is better to enjoy it as an expensive (albeit occasional) delicacy.
Only the pure oil may bear the special markings on the bottle ‘Steirisches Kürbiskernöl’ (Styrian Pumpkin seed oil) the one from Lidl is also authentic, bearing the mark and is 100% pumpkin seed oil. It was 4,99euro for 250ml. Unfortunately it was a limited period product.
It is a wholesome and versatile food and can be used in salads, dipping bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, drizzled on cooked grilled vegetables or a topping on soups or even desserts, particularly delicious on ice-cream, pancakes - a true culinary delight. Beware-it does not tolerate heat well (tends to burn easily- so not suitable for frying!) and should be regarded with care during use in warm foods. Further it contains no artificial additives or preservatives. It should be stored in a dark cool place.
I have used it as a topping in porridge, (pumpkin)soups, salads and with ice cream with balsamic vinegar. Apparently it makes a wonderful scrambled egg, if moderately cooked.
Not only is its culinary qualities that are so valuable, but it is a 'Power food'. It has numerous health benefits. There have been extensive scientific research in all areas where it claims to have beneficial properties. Indeed it has proven to have many therapeutic qualities.
It is extremely rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids essential fatty acids (omega 3 & 6), antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It helps to regulate cholesterol levels which can help prevent heart and circulatory diseases.
It alleviate prostate/ bladder problems and urinary/intestinal infections and helps to restore a good hormone balance. Its use for intestinal infections includes parasite elimination!
Furthermore it is linked with having anti-inflammatory properties, relieving chronic rheumatoid arthritis and preventing kidney stones. It is reputed to increase the immune system.
It is excellent for maintaining skin health (dry skin and ageing, help prevents dehydration resulting in wrinkles and reduces scarring, particularly stretch marks)
Try it yourself not only is it a delight on the palate but a benefit to good health- what could possibly be more amazing that eating yourself fit?
Remember a little goes a long way...and experiment- its uses in the kitchen will go as far as your own imagination.
* Haarlemmerstraat, Amsterdam is a true culinary paradise, various delicatessens, restaurants, and specialised shops (also non food) offering quality products from around the world. It is very pretty it has an air of old fashioned-ness. I can certainly recommend the little Italian restaurant Scarlet, we had the surprise menu and were not disappointed! In one word: delicious. We also had lunch at the Portuguese delicatessen, officially not a restaurant but they were very accommodating, the wine was fabulous and not expensive.
Others shops include Hollanduz (produce from Spain) Kookboekhandel (cookery books) Caulils (wines, cheese & lobsters) Vlaamsch Broodhuys (breads and pastries) Unlimited Delicious (handmade chocolate in the most unusual flavour combinations) Tampopo (Asian supermarket) Papabubble (see how these specialised and personalised sweets are made)or de-tox at Jay's Juices. Don't forget to visit the weekly organic market at Noordermarkt, if only to experience the atmosphere (it is quite expensive but you do have quality produce):
There is an annual food Fair 'New Food Fair’ when even the streets are full of culinary delights.
Why not plan a Saturday morning at the market, an afternoon strolling along the Haarlemmerstraat and finish your evening with an early dinner in one of the lovely little restaurants. Or even better contact Paola, Mijn Zoete Leven who can take you on a very informative Culinary walk. Her enthusiasm will truly overwhelm and inspire you!
** Meeuwig en Zn offers a wide variety of high quality (olive)oils most of which are purchased on small scale farms (non bottled) from the countries Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece an France. They are stored in large stainless steel tanks in the shop where oil can be tapped for you in bottles sizes of your choice.
Goji Berry
Another super food I recently became acquainted with is Goji berries. These strange little berries that resemble (red) raisins are grown on the vines in sheltered valleys of the Himalayas on evergreen shrubs. The delicate berries are carefully shaken off the bushes (to avoid bruising) and are dried very slowly in the shade to produce the small, brick red dried fruit.
They are native to China and Tibet, and have been treasured for generations for their nutritional and therapeutic qualities, being used to cure various ailments.
Its taste is rather strange, not pleasant nor unpleasant, they are slightly 'salty' sweet and sour.
Like the pumpkin seed oil, numerous claims have been made. Some are very bold claims, since the fruit contains such high levels of antioxidants (more than any other fruit) there are suggestions that they can prevent or even cure cancer!
The Goji berry is very high in vitamin C, iron, beta carotene, polysaccharides, amino acids, and potassium.
They are said to protect the heart, are anti-aging and help protect the skin from the harmful sun, help improve eyesight, are very good for the immune system, the antioxidants help fight cancer and even can increase ones sex drive! (known also as Fruit-Viagra)
In recent years the Goji berry has become popular mostly incorporated in a beverage, (to disguise its unusual taste?) it is expensive and the wide claims that have been made are mostly unsupported.
Is it over-hyped or a super food? Well I think we have to leave it in the middle, take the claims with a pinch of salt. In China ALL food have some medicinal properties. If a fad encourages people to eat more fruit then I think it is a good thing too. Since the Goji berry may interact with certain (anticoagulant)drugs it should be taken in moderation.
All in all they are high in fibre, naturally low in fat as well as high in nutrients so can be included as part of a normal healthy and balanced diet.
Another super food I would like to be acquainted with is quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah). It is a versatile product, the leafy part is eaten as a vegetable, originating from South America. I understand it is rather like Couscous, but not actually a grain at all but a seed. It is high in protein and other nutrients including magnesium and riboflavin , high fibre and gluten free. If anyone knows where it is available (in the Leiden area) please let me know. I am always curious and eager to try new things.
