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What Is Alguashte?
Alguashte powder is a versatile Salvadoran pumpkin seed seasoning that can be used in both sweet or savoury meals.
It is believed to have Mayan origins because pumpkin seeds have been consumed by the Mayans since ancient times.
Today, it is commonly added to many Salvadoran foods, and street vendors in El Salvador often offer it as an addition to snacks and food dishes.
If you’re curious about other aspects of Salvadoran culture and food, you can learn more in our travel guide.
What Is It Made Of?
Super simple to make you use just two ingredients, toasted ground pumpkin seeds and salt but it can also be bought ready-made.
Use it to add a deep earthy, nutty flavor to everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to savory dishes.
Alguashte Recipe Ideas
Sweet Dishes
Great used as a condiment for fresh-cut fruits like mangoes, both ripened and unripe when they are green (mango verde), and other tropical fruits such as jicama and oranges. If you want to get more adventurous, try adding lime and hot sauce as well.
It also works well on vanilla ice cream and popcorn, and it’s a key ingredient in Atol Chuco a traditional drink from El Salvador.
Savoury Dishes
The aromatic, nutty ingredient is also used in many savory Salvadoran dishes. The powder is sprinkled over a variety of dishes and ingredients such as crab, seafood stew, chicken, scrambled eggs, and even iguana. It is also often used as a thickener in soups and gravies.
What Makes It Taste So Good?
The best varieties of pumpkin seeds are typically either from ayote or pepian.
You may find it hard to find out which type of pumpkin seeds you have, but don’t worry. Any type will do as long as they still have a husk on.
The key to great taste comes down to three things:
- The seeds need to be ones with a shell on – the husk, that’s because the husk adds a more complex flavor than shelled seeds do.
- Toasting the seeds to a deep golden brown color brings out all of their untapped flavor.
- Finally, sifting through a strainer removes any stubborn fibrous bits.
Where To Buy It
In El Salvador, it is easy to buy alguashte in the supermarket. In 2026, a 4-ounce bag costs around $3.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional label for a 1/2 ounce serving of alguashte.
Alguashte Recipe
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1/2 cup hull-on pumpkin seeds (1 1/2 ounces or 45g)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (0.28 ounces or 8g)
Instructions
How Do You Make Alguashte? Step 1.Toast The Pumpkin Seeds Use a medium stainless-steel or cast iron skillet to the toast pumpkin seeds over medium heat. Stir and toss them frequently, until seeds have browned lightly in spots and have a lightly roasted aroma after about 5 minutes. Then transfer the seeds to a small plate or bowl and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Step 2.Grind And Sift Use a spice grinder or a high-powered blender to grind the toasted pumpkin seeds to a fine powder. Then use a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl to sift the powder to remove any larger fibrous pieces. Regrind if needed, then mix the powder with salt until it is fully blended in. Step 3. Storage You can store Alguashte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
