5 Things to Do With Your Pumpkin Seeds
By Jenny Everett, SELF magazine
Cooler air is finally making it feel like fall, and the chill is inspiring us to go pumpkin picking! Not only is fall's favorite fruit a perfect excuse to have a party (complete with carving and wine), we also love to eat the seeds.
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This is a good move, according to Angela Ginn, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. She explains that pumpkin seeds are packed with all sorts of healthy nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The list includes manganese (which is a boon for both bones and metabolism), magnesium (which contributes to muscle and bone health), phosphorous (a component in bone and tooth health, which also helps energize cells throughout your body) and phytosterols (which, some studies show lower cholesterol and enhance the immune response to certain cancers).
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Phew!
Here are 5 ways to make the most of your pumpkin seeds:
1. Roast the seeds, then add to your favorite trail mix. One of our favorite combos: Dry roasted soy nuts, pumpkin seeds, air-popped popcorn, a drizzle of honey and a dash of cinnamon.
2. Roast, then sprinkle over a big leafy green or grain-based salad. Pumpkin seeds be subbed in for pine nuts in recipes such as this one for Farro and Pine Nut Tabbouleh.
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3. Grind up the seeds and incorporate into burger meat before grilling to add texture.
4. For a sweet kick, roast pumpkin seeds with some pumpkin spice and a pinch of sugar.
5. For a savory kick, roast the seeds with Worcestershire, garlic powder, olive oil and a pinch of salt.
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For a full nutritional analysis of pumpkin seeds, click here.
What's your favorite way to prep pumpkin seeds?
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