Before tossing out those pumpkins, don’t forget to save the best part: the seeds!
Around this time of year, there seems to be no shortage of pumpkins lying around, whether from Halloween or your fall-themed décor. Before tossing out those pumpkins, don’t forget to save the best part: the seeds! Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are full of nutrients such as antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and vitamin K, not to mention they make for a tasty snack.
Around this time of year, there seems to be no shortage of pumpkins lying around, whether from Halloween or your fall-themed décor. Before tossing out those pumpkins, don’t forget to save the best part: the seeds! Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are full of nutrients such as antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and vitamin K, not to mention they make for a tasty snack.
Harvesting pumpkin seeds is easy after removing them from the pumpkin and rinsing away the pulp pieces. Once cleaned, the seeds can be seasoned with a variety of spices and roasted for a delicious and healthy snack. There are endless combinations of seasonings for pumpkin seeds, which can take on a sweet or savory flavor. Try this recipe for a savory snack.
Bonus tip: Roasted pumpkin seeds make for an easy and healthy snack to bring to work. Make a large batch of pumpkin seeds to take to work all week or to share with friends.
Make it a family event: Get the kids involved in the harvesting, seasoning and roasting process of the pumpkin seeds. Try different combinations of seasonings and then let the kids taste each one to see which one they like best.
Source: Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less
