Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas. The seeds from pumpkins make a healthy and tasty snack. They're protein rich and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin A.

 

The pumpkin seed is native to America, but is now cultivated worldwide. In folk medicine, pumpkin seeds were used to combat unhealthy organisms, especially tapeworms and roundworms. Today pumpkin seeds are most commonly used to soothe irritable bladders and problems associated with the prostate.

 

They are still listed as a home remedy for expelling pinworms or other intestinal parasites. As the seed and hull pass through your digestive tract, the seed is assimilated and the fibrous, indigestible hull gently scours out unwelcome guests.

 

Pumpkin seeds are also recommended for stomach problems and nausea such as morning sickness.

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

 

Ingredients:

• 2 C. pumpkin seeds
• 2 Tbsp oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp salt (optional)

 

Instructions:
Wash the seeds well and stir with oil in bowl. Spread out to single layer on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle salt on top if desired. Bake at 250 degrees F until slightly brown.

 

 

Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

 

Ingredients:

• 2 C. pumpkin seeds                 
• 2 Tblsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp. cumin

 

Instructions:

Separate the seeds from the stringy pumpkin guts, rinse well and dry with paper towels.

Add seeds to bowl and toss to coat evenly. Then spread out on a baking sheet. Roast in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Stir the seeds every 10 minutes or so during the roasting so that they will cook evenly.

 

 

 

Did you know?

 

• Pumpkins are 90% water!

 

• The State record for largest pumpkin in Michigan is held by Joe Platte in 2003 with a pumpkin that weights 967.5 pounds. 

 

• The U.S. Record currently held is by Steve Deletas and family with 1385 pound pumpkin. Steve brought this new world record giant pumpkin to the Canby weigh off on Saturday, October 4, 2003

 

• A giant pumpkin was growing in Henniker, New Hampshire this summer that weight almost 1500 pounds. Unfortunately, a stem split meant an early end for this huge beast.  It was disqualified because of that. It weighed in at 1458 pounds.