We're going on a treasure hunt today. Croatian continental area. The treasure is pumpkin seed oil. Many parts of Croatia, especially Međimurje and Podravina counties, have a long tradition of growing pumpkins and making pumpkin seed oil. It's easy to see why! Its fresh scent and aroma, as well as its long list of benefits, make this oil taste like heaven. Locals even refer to it as liquid gold. In our opinion, it lives up to its name. 

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Pressed from fried pumpkin seeds, this oil has a unique taste and aroma that is unlike anything you have tried before! Any meal will benefit from its distinctive, intense, and nutty flavor. In order to preserve all of its nutrients, it is normally served cold, without thermal processing. In the Zagreb area, it is an integral part of bean and potato salads. Additionally, it goes well with roasted meat, fish, soups, pasta, and even goat cheese. That's not all! It's even better with ice cream! The restaurant Mon Ami serves vanilla ice cream topped with pumpkin oil and fried pumpkin seeds. Even though it might sound strange, it tastes so delicious.

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We already mentioned pumpkin seed oil has many benefits, here are five of them!

5 Surprising Benefits Of Pumpkin Seed Oil

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1. Contains powerful antioxidants

Antioxidants in pumpkin seed oil, such as Vitamin E and carotenoids, reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes, which can aid wound healing. 

Using a traditional yet eco-friendly process, OPG Šipek makes pumpkin seed oil from only the best pumpkin seeds from the Croatian city of Varaždin. Shop the oil here.

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2. Improves Heart Health

There is no doubt that pumpkin seed oil promotes heart health. Pumpkin seed oil protects our hearts from various diseases, thanks to its antioxidants, and its magnesium lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

A scientific study conducted in 2019 revealed that cold-pressed pumpkin oil is particularly rich in magnesium (about 35.45 mg/kg) and calcium (22.5 mg/kg). In this study, pumpkin seed oil samples were collected from Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria.

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3. Good for Your Skin and Hair

This oil is rich in vitamins A, E, and K and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a great hair growth product. Not only that, but this oil is also a superfood for your skin! The vitamin prevents infections, aids in the maintenance of collagen, and prevents acne.

Since 2013, the family Kišić has been producing premium pumpkin seed oil in the heart of Slavonia. There is no doubt that their oil has a fantastic aroma, taste, and color. Shop it here.

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4. Helps with Sleep Problems and Insomnia

As pumpkin seed oil contains tryptophan, which is converted by the body into serotonin and melatonin (sleep hormone), it can aid with sleep problems.

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5. Immunity Booster

Your immune system will be boosted by pumpkin seed oil, which contains zinc and iron. Increasing immunity and preventing infections are two benefits of zinc. Hemoglobin and myoglobin carry oxygen thanks to iron. The common cold can be prevented with one spoon of oil a day.

As of 2013, OPG Šinko has produced pumpkin oil in Hrebine, a small village not far from the Croatian capital Zagreb. Every product is handcrafted by members of the Šinko family. In this way, you are sure that you will receive a genuine domestic product. Find them here.

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Whenever you come to Croatia, make sure you try this real Croatian treasure. You'll be surprised at how delicious it is! Take it home as a souvenir and experiment with your own meals.