Seasonal & Holidays

Pumpkin Seeds: Monrovia Fields Hold The Best Fall Treat

When carving the Halloween jack-o'-lantern from the Monrovia area pumpkin fields, save the seeds. Roasting them is a piece of cake.

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Andy Nguyen, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
When carving your Halloween jack-o’-lantern or making a fall pie with your bounty from Monrovia area pumpkin fields and patches, don’t toss the seeds. They’re packed with fiber and loaded with protein, potassium and antioxidants.
When carving your Halloween jack-o’-lantern or making a fall pie with your bounty from Monrovia area pumpkin fields and patches, don’t toss the seeds. They’re packed with fiber and loaded with protein, potassium and antioxidants. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

MONROVIA, CA — The Halloween season is upon us, and while it’s traditionally a time in Monrovia and everywhere else to go overboard in the sweets department, pumpkin seeds are one of the best fall treats you can enjoy without feeling totally guilty afterward.

Still looking for the best pumpkin? Patches and fields around Monrovia offer a great opportunity to support local growers and pick a perfect pumpkin for a pie or jack-o’-lantern.

Once you’ve carved the perfect jack-o’-lantern, make sure you save the seeds. They can be roasted for an easy, healthy treat. According to WebMD, pumpkin seeds offer high levels of essential vitamins and minerals in a small serving. Just don’t gobble up too many at one time. They are high in calories.

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Indulging in a small portion of pumpkin seeds is perfectly OK, though, and may even offer the following health benefits:

  • A reduction in body inflammation.
  • A lowered risk of diabetes.
  • An improvement in heart function.
  • A reduction in risk factors associated with chronic diseases, including cancer.

Roasting pumpkin seeds is pretty simple and doesn’t require a lot of time, which is good news for people with a busy schedule. Here’s how it’s done:

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  • After separating your seeds from your pumpkin, make sure you wash them thoroughly.
  • Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
  • Pat the seeds dry with a paper towel.
  • Place the seeds in a bowl and toss with olive oil or melted butter.
  • Spray an edged baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and spread seeds in a single layer.
  • Season seeds with salt to taste.
  • Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.
  • Stir the seeds about every 10 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.
  • Let cool and enjoy. Seal leftovers in an airtight plastic container.

How do you roast your pumpkin seeds? Let us know in the comments section below.

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