Toasted Squash Or Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin and other varieties of squash have very nutritious seeds. They contain a lot of nutrients that are thought to promote health in specific areas...including prostate health, arthritis, bone health, and lower cholesterol.

Toasted Squash Or Pumpkin Seeds
How To Do It Yourself
From large winter squash or mature pumpkins remove seeds and wipe off extra pulp with a paper towel. Spread them out evenly on a paper bag and let them dry out overnight.

Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and light roast them in a 160-170ºF (about 75ºC) oven for 15-20 minutes. By roasting them for a short time at a low temperature you can help to preserve their healthy oils. To eat, crack the seeds open with your teeth, eat the kernel, discarding the hulls. Stores well in a sealed jar for several months in the refrigerator.

How to Select Purchased Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are generally available in prepackaged containers as well as bulk bins. Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the pumpkin seeds are covered and that the store has a good product turnover so as to ensure the seeds' maximal freshness. Whether purchasing pumpkin seeds in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that they are not shriveled. If it is possible to smell the pumpkin seeds, do so in order to ensure that they are not rancid or musty.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas
Add pumpkin seeds to healthy sautéed vegetables.

Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of mixed green salads.

Grind pumpkin seeds with fresh garlic, parsley and cilantro leaves. Mix with olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty salad dressing.

Add chopped pumpkin seeds to your favorite hot or cold cereal.

Add pumpkin seeds to your oatmeal raisin cookie or granola recipe.