"Many of us have fond memories of roasting these delicious nuggets after carving the Jack o’ lantern, but most of us never realized just how good (and good for us) they were. But surprisingly, pumpkin seeds have been valued for their dietary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been traced back as far as 7000 BC, according to archeologists excavating a tomb in central Mexico.
Among other civilizations, the Aztecs and Mayans were believed to revere pumpkin seeds as an important and powerful source of food and nutrition. As it turns out they were on to something – In a comparison to other nuts and seeds, Pumpkin Seeds are one of the most nutritious plant-based foods. A quarter cup serving alone includes an immune-boosting 17% of an adult’s daily allowance of zinc and a powerful red blood cell-supporting 15% of the iron needed.
This little seed also has a whopping 8.5 grams of complete plant-based protein in just 1 ounce. Ounce for ounce, that’s 2.5 times more protein than a hard-boiled egg. These flavorful bites have much more to offer including a plentiful helping of minerals with over 40% of the RDI of magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, essential nutrients that aid in overall body function.
Pumpkin seeds without shells, also known as pepitas, provide an even better standalone snack especially those that are dry roasted and with flavor."
From link:
NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY – First Wednesday in October | National Day Calendar
(From Web)
NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY – First Wednesday in October | National Day Calendar
What a great post John, loved reading about these seeds, thank you.
ReplyDeleteOctober is definitely the Pumpkin month ... the grandchildren are looking forward to making their pumpkin faces for Halloween!
All the best Jan
It's such a fun month for the kids.
DeleteI prefer sunflower seeds. So many seeds and nuts are full of nutrients. We should take advantage of them.
ReplyDeleteThey're also healthy.
DeleteMy daughter-in-law loves to roast the pumpkin seeds! I like them, but then I like most nuts and seeds. Good post, John.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rian. The roasted seeds are good.
DeleteI didn't realize there was that much protein in them--I'm always looking for good plant-based protein sources but somehow missed that one, so thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteThat carved pumpkin is awesome :)
I'm going to buy some on my next grocery visit.
DeleteMy mom used to roast these when I was a kid. I still love them till this day.
ReplyDeleteThey'er healthy too.
DeleteSound very nice for health and flavour must be great John!
ReplyDeleteNever see around exact same pumpkins may be it is too hot area to grow them still the word you used "PEPITAs" is familiar and if it is same i am talking about they have different and thin soft skin and have shiny black pearl like seeds inside