Fried Pumpkin Blossoms
Fried Pumpkin Blossoms (Flor de Calabaza Frita) are a traditional Mexican dish where delicate, edible pumpkin flowers are typically stuffed with cheese (like queso fresco or Oaxaca) or a savory meat mixture, dipped in a light batter, and fried until golden and crispy. They are a seasonal delicacy enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderately high in fat and carbohydrates due to the frying batter and cheese filling, while providing a good amount of protein from the cheese. A typical serving offers key nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, with a calorie range of approximately 150-250 kcal per serving of 3-4 blossoms.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1200 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Potassium | 290 mg |
| Vitamin K | 10 mcg |
Per 3 stuffed and fried blossoms (about 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish is a prime example of using foraged or garden-grown ingredients in Mexican cuisine, turning a fleeting seasonal bloom into a savory treat. Nutritionally, the blossoms themselves are surprisingly rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron, making them more than just a flavorful vessel for the filling.
