Friday's Last Spoonful: Pumpkin Seeds

A healthy snack when you need a munchie

The Mixed Stew Crew tends to forget about this nutritious food item when we need a snack fix. Roasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) have a nutty and slightly buttery flavor that makes them a hit. Seeds look flat, dark green, or yellowish-white. The Pilgrims and other British Colonists discovered how Native American Indians prized the pumpkin and its seeds as a food source. Today, it’s a popular Mexican food ingredient, too. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with nutrients, such as manganese, iron, and copper. They’re also a good source of fiber. We suggest having a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds instead of M&Ms or potato chips. Look for them year-around but they’re freshest and more widely available during the fall season of pumpkins.