It’s autumn and pumpkin season is upon us. This is a great time to enjoy a seasonal favorite. Pumpkin seeds are not only delicious, but they are a healthy snack that can be used and enjoyed anytime. Best of all, they take little time or effort to make.
For those who take particular pride in reducing household waste, roasting pumpkin seeds have an added benefit. If you’ve never liked the idea of scooping the insides of your pumpkin into the trash when carving pumpkins at Halloween, try turning your jack-o-lantern leftovers into a delicious fall snack by saving and roasting your pumpkin seeds this year.
How to Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasting pumpkin seeds is fast and simple. Here’s how:
- Scrape the innards out of your pumpkin into a bowl.
- Use your fingers to separate the seeds from the pulp and throw the pulp away.
- Rinse the seeds. The best way to do this is to pour all the seeds into a colander and run it under the faucet.
- Pour the seeds and 2 tablespoons of oil onto a cookie sheet. Shake it gently to coat the seeds with oil.
- Use a salt shaker to lightly salt the seeds.
- Bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes, taking them out and flipping with a spatula occasionally.
- Let the seeds sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are cool. Then they are ready to enjoy.
Ways to Eat Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds make a delicious snack by themselves, and they can also be a tasty addition to salads, sautéed vegetables, oatmeal cookies, and hot or cold cereal. You can also grind them up and toss them with olive oil and fresh herbs for a zesty salad dressing.
Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds
The nutritional value of pumpkin seeds is very significant. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of omega-3 acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, protein, zinc, and vitamin K. They also contain phytosterols suggested to lower cholesterol and promote heart health.
Medicinal Properties of Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds have a centuries-old history of being used as natural healing foods. Conditions such as arthritis, depression, cancer, osteoporosis, and kidney stones are shown to respond to pumpkin seeds. They also have natural anti-inflammatory properties, promote bladder function, and improve prostate health.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy the myriad health benefits of pumpkin seeds. They continue to remain a fall favorite and a healthy snack that people can keep on hand all year round.
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