What To Do With Leftover Pumpkin Seeds

It’s all fun and games when you’re scooping out your pumpkin, ready to give it a spooky makeover for the Halloween festivities. But afterwards, you’re left with a mess of orange pulp – which often ends up in the bin. However, savvy chefs will know that amid the flesh of this seasonal squash you’ll find an abundance of one of the most nutritious ingredients out there: pumpkin seeds. This year, rather than sending them to landfill, save the seeds and transform them into something tasty with one of our recipe ideas below.

Pumpkin Seeds: Benefits & Recipe

Health Benefits

These small, often discarded seeds are packed with nutritional benefits. They’re filled with antioxidants, which help prevent damage to cells and reduce the risk of some diseases. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of unsaturated fats, which are crucial for heart health, and high in magnesium – one of the buzziest ingredients of the moment, which assists in regulating blood sugar levels and can improve sleep. 

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Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe

1. Begin by scooping all the flesh out of your pumpkin, and placing it in a bowl. 
2. Wash the mixture to remove the goop and strings, leaving just the seeds.
3. Dry them thoroughly. 
4. Sprinkle the seeds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Add salt and some spices, such as paprika, chilli flakes or cumin.
6. Roast the seeds at 180 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes.

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What To Do With Pumpkin Seeds

Once you’ve got your roasted pumpkin seeds, you can sprinkle them on dishes to add an extra crunch – and a hit of nutrition. They work well in:

• Salads
• Crackers 
• Oat bars
• Granola
• Porridge
• Trail mix

Alternatively, they can be enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack – or why not use them to whizz up a pesto? Check out Bettina Campolucci Bordi’s recipe for pumpkin seed pesto with oyster mushrooms.