Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

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Have you ever roasted pumpkin seeds? You’ll never want to throw out those gooey innards of your Halloween pumpkins again (other squashes too!)

Roasting pumpkin seeds holds some special memories for me.  It’s something my dad and I would do every year, when I was growing up, on pumpkin carving day. Then we’d watch Halloween movies and snack on them. Such a simple tradition, but one I looked forward to every year.

What I didn’t know at the time was how good for your health pumpkin seeds are. As an adult, I’m never tossing out the seeds again!

The nutritional value and method goes for all squashes, not just pumpkins.  So remember this next time you’re working with a spaghetti squash, acorn squash, or butternut squash… Don’t waste a bit of it!

Their nutritional value:

Pumpkin seeds have been studied quite a bit for their nutritional and medicinal value.

Did you know…

• Due to their high antioxidant count, pumpkin seeds can do wonders to reduce inflammation in the body.
• One particular study done showed how pumpkin seed oil was beneficial to reducing the pain and inflammation in those with arthritis.
• They are full of essential minerals and vitamins, especially magnesium (which is important for controlling blood pressure, reducing heart disease risk, and maintaining healthy bones and blood sugar levels)
• Pumpkin seeds may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Particularly, stomach, breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers.
• Very high in fiber.
• Pumpkin seeds can improve prostate and bladder health
• Can improve sleep – pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan (it may not just be the turkey contributing to that post Thanksgiving dinner nap!)
• Can help regulate testosterone levels in men and thereby can improve sperm quality.

I know what you’re thinking…”I’ll probably have to eat a lot of pumpkin seeds to get all those benefits”.  That may be. But don’t underestimate the power of supplements. You may want to look into Herbal Pumpkin from Nature’s Sunshine to help you get in those extra health benefits, especially when pumpkins are out of season

PS – Don’t forget meal planning, including snacks is the very best way to keep you on track to achieving and maintaining your health goals!!

How To Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

• pumpkin seeds (or the various squash varieties
• olive oil (about 1/2 tsp per cup of seeds)
• salt (about 1/4 tsp per cup of seeds)

Directions:

1. Separate the seeds from the strings.  Place the seeds in a colander and discard the strings.
2. Rinse the seeds very well in warm water.  Drain and place on a paper towel to dry
3. Let the seeds air dry for a couple hours, or even over night. The drier they are, the crunchier they get.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a bowl combine the seeds, olive oil, and salt.  Hand toss to coat evenly
6. Spread the seeds onto the baking sheet in an even layer.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the seeds are lightly toasted and golden in color.
8. Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Don’t forget the printable recipe so you can do this next year too!

Ashley Tukiainen

Yields 4 servings

Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Crispy salty pumpkin seeds are the perfect healthy fall snack. They are so easy to make and contain surprising health benefits!

2 hrPrep Time

15 minCook Time

2 hr, 15 Total Time

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Ingredients

• 1 C pumpkin Seeds
• 1/2 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Separate the seeds from the strings.  Place the seeds in a colander and discard the strings.
2. Rinse the seeds very well in warm water.  Drain and place on a paper towel to dry
3. Let the seeds air dry for a couple hours, or even over night. The drier they are, the crunchier they get.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a bowl combine the seeds, olive oil, and salt.  Hand toss to coat evenly
6. Spread the seeds onto the baking sheet in an even layer.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the seeds are lightly toasted and golden in color.

Notes

Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

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https://gulfcoast-wellness.com/easy-roasted-pumpkin-seeds/

Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic anytime food, whether they are a healthy snack, or a salad topping, or whatever way you may dream up. Whenever squash season rolls around, take extra advantage of pumpkin carving, or using up all those spaghetti squash recipes you found on Pinterest!