7 Reasons to Roast Your Squash Seeds (& How to do it)

By Gillian B

Crispy, crunchy, salty and delicious! Roasted seeds are one of my favorite snacks. They are especially good warm out of the oven and making them is a breeze!

Save your seeds! When cooking squash, be sure to put the seeds aside, they are such a nutrient dense part of the plant it is a real shame just to throw them away. I like to keep a little container in the freezer that I add to each time I make a squash (which is quite often). When the container gets full, or we are heading out on a road trip, I will roast them up. What a treat!

Here’s why you should roast the seeds from pumpkin, butternut, acorn and other winter squashes:

1. Squash seeds are an excellent source of fiber. A quarter cup of squash seeds contains 4 grams of fiber.
2. Squash seeds are a great plant-based source of protein. A quarter cup of squash seeds contains 3 grams of protein.
3. The seeds from squash are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamins A & C, folate, potassium, calcium, zinc and iron. 1 ounce of squash seeds provides 4 mg of Iron (23% DV)!
4. You can create interesting pesto with squash seeds that is perfect for those with nut allergies.
5. They are a nutritious addition to oatmeal, soups, and salads — a small handful adds a punch of extra nutrition.
6. When roasted with a little olive oil and sea salt, they are a delicious, nutritious snack that both kids and adults will like.
7. Salt and oil are just the beginning. There are many spice combinations for roasted squash seeds.

Check out the recipe below for some inspiration!

Roasted Squash Seeds

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups of squash seeds (butternut, buttercup, acorn, pumpkin, etc.)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp Superfood Cider Vinegar Concentrate
• ½ tsp cumin
• a sprinkle of organic Longevity Hot Sauce (optional if you like a little kick)
• 1 tsp olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Lay the mixture on a flat baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for approximately 10 minutes and then mix around.
5. Put back in the oven until the seeds are golden brown, and you hear a ‘pop’- a good indication that they are done!
6. Enjoy!

Roasted squash seeds are wonderful on their own as a snack, mixed with other nuts and seeds (try garlic seeds) or even on top of soups and salads! If you have not already, you must try them!

Source:

www.gillianb.com

http://www.mnn.com

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