How To Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin  seeds are the edible seeds of the pumpkin.These unhulled seeds are white in color and are like a teardrop in shape. Once the hulls are removed, the inner kernel is usually thin and green. If you’ve wondered how to eat pumpkin seeds  and incorporate them into your diet, try roasting or grinding them, or using them as a garnish.

Can You Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Of course, you can eat pumpkin seeds. There are many reasons why you should eat pumpkin seeds due to their nutritional composition:

• Rich in antioxidants – phytonutrients and phenolic acids, such as coumaric, ferulic, caffeic, and vanillic acids 

• Contain various tocopherols  (vitamin E)

• High levels of manganese , phosphorous, zinc , copper , potassium , iron , and magnesium

• Rich in vitamin K

• Good source of protein  

• Good source of dietary fiber  

Furthermore, the unique combination of antioxidants found in these seeds delivers impressive support to the body and reduces oxidative stress. 

Here are some ways to eat pumpkin seeds.

Roasting

The most popular way to eat pumpkin seeds; simply roast the seeds on a cookie sheet in the oven with salts  and spices  for a popcorn -like snack. 

Pesto

You can mince or cut up your seeds and include them in pesto for a flavorful bite.

Oatmeal

Along with fresh fruit in the morning, tossing some pumpkin seeds into your oatmeal can make it an even healthier meal.

Granola

For people who make homemade granola, these seeds are a unique and delicious addition.

Soup Garnish

You can add roasted pumpkin seeds to the top of pumpkin soup, or any soup, for that matter, as a tasty garnish.

Salads

Mixing seeds into salads is an excellent way to get more out of your meal; these seeds are particularly good with citrus or fruity flavors in a salad.

Rice Pudding

Topping your rice pudding with these seeds adds a nice crunch to the popular snack.

Grinding

You can grind the seeds down to a powder and add them to muffin or bread mixes, both for flavor and as a nutrient-dense supplement to your baked goods.

How to Store Pumpkin Seeds?

• If you purchase these seeds in bulk or pull them directly from a pumpkin, you will want the seeds to be clean and dry before storing them. 

• You will need to clean, rinse, roast or dry the seeds thoroughly, depending on what form you get them in.

• They must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 6 months.

However, the nutrient density and flavor will begin to diminish after 2 months.

Source:Organic fact