Pitzuchim facts for kids
In Israel, Pitzuchim (pronounced "pee-tzoo-KHEEM") is a fun word for different kinds of nuts and seeds. People love to crack them open with their teeth and eat them as a tasty snack!
What are Pitzuchim?
Pitzuchim are a very popular snack in Israel. The word "Pitzuchim" comes from a Hebrew word that means "to crack." This makes sense because you usually crack open the shells of these snacks to get to the yummy part inside.
Popular Pitzuchim Snacks
Some of the most common Pitzuchim are sunflower seeds. These are sometimes called "black seeds" because of their dark shells. You might also find pumpkin seeds, which are often called "white seeds." Even watermelon seeds can be Pitzuchim!
These snacks are super popular at places like soccer games. They are a great way to enjoy the game while having something to munch on. Besides seeds, Pitzuchim can also include other delicious nuts. These might be pistachios, Brazil nuts, cashews, and almonds. These nuts are usually a bit more expensive than the seeds.
Important Safety Tip
The Israeli Ministry of Health suggests that children under the age of five should not eat Pitzuchim. This is because the small pieces of nuts and seeds can be a choking hazard for very young kids. It's always important to be safe when eating snacks, especially those that need cracking! Also, eating too many shells can sometimes cause tummy problems, so it's best to just eat the inside part.
Where to Find Pitzuchim
You can easily find Pitzuchim in many places. They are often sold in plastic bags at supermarkets and local grocery stores. You can also buy them by weight at health food stores or special kiosks.
A kiosk that sells Pitzuchim is called a "Pitzuchiya" or "Pitzutziya." At these places, the nuts and seeds are often roasted right there, making them extra fresh and tasty! They are usually sold by weight and put into brown paper bags for you to take home.
