Snacking on Seeds

I LOVE pumpkin season. I love pumpkin soup but I really love pumpkin seeds even more I think.

When I tell people they always ask me "how do you eat them?"

"Straight from the pulp as I'm cutting it up mostly" I would have to reply.

But I have got a technique for dried seeds too.

The seeds from Turk's Turbans are my all time favourite, so buttery and soft.

I also like the seeds from the large pumpkins in the first photo too. I'm not sure what they are called but their outer shell is less fibrous than a QLD Blue or a Jarradale for instance.

Pumpkin seeds make a great snack for in between meals and a whole host of other health benefits. For instance, they are high in protein, a rich source of zinc, magnesium, vitamin B group and Vit E.

They contain L-tryptophan which is great for a good night sleep and helps depression.

They are effective for ridding thread worm and have an anti-inflammatory action on the body. Studies are linking their positive effects to prostate health and their ability to lower LDL in the body.

In short

WHY ARE YOU THROWING THE SEEDS AWAY!!!

I am a big believer in foods in season and for a reason.

I believe we are supposed to eat certain foods when they are in season for optimum health seasonally.

I also believe in true cravings and joy for foods.

I have trouble absorbing magnesium and zinc and have abnormal LDL despite a good diet. I don't think it is any co-incidence that I take such delight in pumpkin seed season. 

Next time you are cutting a pumpkin, remove the seeds from the pulp. Soak in a solution of one and a half tablespoons of salt to 500ml of water overnight or for about 8 hours then spread to dry or place in your dehydrator. Mine never last long and I really appreciate them when I'm still at work at 7pm and haven't eaten since midday, they tide me over nicely till I can get home for dinner.

Crunchy, chewy, buttery, nutritious pumpkin seeds.

Isn't nature wonderful!