Pumpkin Pow-Wow: Eat Pumpkin Seeds

One of the joys of Halloween: Pumpkin seeds.

The scooped out slimy and messy insides of your pumpkins are a great fall snack…especially when you need a break from all of the Halloween candy.

Known for their chewy texture and subtly sweet, nutty flavor, pumpkin seeds are celebrated for more than their taste. The delicious food has some great nutritional components too. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein and fiber making them a great option for vegetarians and beyond. The pumpkin innards are highly valued as being a source of zinc, manganese and other antioxidant phytonutrients. However, the seeds are relatively high in calories so enjoy them in moderation.

Pumpkins (and their seeds) are native to the Americas and were an admired food among Native American tribes who treasured the seeds for their dietary and medicinal properties. Now the popularity of pumpkin seeds has spread across the globe and become a standard cuisine in many households.

So, what can you do with all of those pumpkin seeds when you are done carving your pumpkin besides roasting them? You are never going to want fall to end with these drool-worthy pumpkin seed recipe ideas:

• Gobble up this pumpkin seed nut bread. It will be gone in seconds.
• Be warned, one piece of this warmly spiced pumpkin seed brittle will turn into two.
• Add an addictive crunch to your yogurts, soups or sauteed vegetables by sprinkling roasted, toasted or baked seeds to the top of your meal.
• Sweeten the deal with these honey-glazed pumpkin pie pepitas. One word: amazing.
• Chili and pumpkin seed cornbread. Yes please.

What is your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin seeds? Do you enjoy eating the fall favorite?

photo credit: justgrimes via photopin cc