Why We Love Pumpkin Seeds

When you’re carving pumpkins or making a fresh pumpkin soup, don’t forget about the hidden treasure inside—the seeds.

Related To:

pumpkin seed

101821332

Pumpkin seeds

Photo by: Elena Elisseeva

Elena Elisseeva

With the crisp chill of fall in the air and the excitement of Halloween around the corner, pumpkin season is in full swing. When you’re carving those pumpkins or making a fresh pumpkin soup, don’t forget about the hidden treasure inside—the seeds.

Pumpkin Seed Facts

Pumpkin seeds can add a rich flavor and crunchy texture to many dishes. The seeds have a white fibrous hull (outside shell) with medium-dark green seeds inside; the green interiors are also called pepitas and are commonly used in Mexican cooking. If you’re scooping the seeds out of your jack o' lantern, give them a dip in boiling water or toast them—both the hull and the seed are edible though I prefer my pumpkin seeds without the outer hull. You can also buy them at the store either  roasted or raw, with or without the hull, and salted or unsalted.

The Nutrition Scoop

One ounce of whole roasted pumpkin seeds (about 85 pieces) has 126 calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. They are also a good source of magnesium and zinc, providing 19% of your daily dose of both these minerals. Copper, potassium, and iron are other nutrients you’ll find in pepitas.

Pumpkin Seed Ideas

Whether you choose to scoop your own out of the pumpkin flesh or purchase them at a store, here are 5 way to enjoy them:

TELL US: Why do you love pumpkin seeds?

Next Up

Pumpkin-Shaped Pumpkin Bread Is Your Fall Weekend Project

It doesn’t get cozier (or cuter!) than this.

Why You Should Be Baking Your Next Chocolate Cake Inside a Pumpkin

It's a fall dessert that doubles as a centerpiece.

Stop Putting Pumpkin Spice in Your Latte

Or at least save a few tablespoons for dinner...

This Cheesecake-Filled Babka Banished All My Babka Baking Fears

Sometimes a two-day baking project is just what you need to build up your confidence!

Chilled-Out Pumpkin Recipes to Make While It’s Still Hot Outside

Don’t worry — you’ll have plenty of time for fall baking later.

Here’s Why Pumpkin and Chocolate Belong Together

It might sound strange, but it tastes sooo good.

Best 5 Pumpkin Bread Recipes

Celebrate the beginning of fall with Food Network's best five pumpkin bread recipes.