Simple little seed is chock full of beneficial nutrition!

Pumpkins_variety

The season is upon us now where Pumpkins are a plenty!  I couldn’t get a total count, seems there might be over 50 varieties of pumpkins that can be grown in your own garden from      heirloom seeds.  Within that variety are some amazing differences:

  • The most commonly known carving pumpkin, the Jack-O-Lantern, was not bred for eating.
  • The Smaller sweeter pumpkins are for eating.
  • Colors of pumpkins are just as diverse, such as the blue Jarrahdale from New Zealand and Queensland    Blues from Australia.
  • Pumpkins are considered a fruit because it contains seeds.

scooping-out-seeds-of-pumpkin

  •  Pumpkin can be used for soups, stews, bread, pickles, pies, puddings, ice cream, and even beer or ale!
  • You can even preserve pumpkin by canning (most advice is only as cubed, not mashed.)
  • Cattle, goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys all love pumpkins.

Here are some interesting facts about pumpkin seeds:

  • Most pumpkin seeds have hulls, unlike the Kakai Pumpkin seeds are completely hull-less.
  • Mexican mole sauce is made with pumpkin seeds.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds:

pumpkin_seeds_raw

  • Contain lots of minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese… for helping to optimize bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
  • Good source of B vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin K
  • They have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, improve prostate health, reduce inflammation related to arthritis, improve sleep and lower depression.
  • The only alkaline forming seed.
  • Contain high quality protein, and the content of protein actually increases with the age of the fruit.

 

Preparation and Use of Pumpkin Seeds:

  • Best to shell the seeds, then soak in water for 6 hours.  Soaking make enzymes and other nutrients more digestible.
  • Bake them in the oven at 160 to 170°F for 15 to 20 minutes.  You can even sprinkle different seasonings on them for a variety of flavors.
  • Many suggest dehydrating below 110 degrees F, will prevent of loss of nutritive value from over-heating.
  • Sprinkle them on top of salads, cereals, and yogurt.
  • Add them to soups, stews, and meatloaf.
  • Enjoy them raw as a snack!pumpkin_seeds_toasted