Recipe

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Accompanying article: Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

Kitchen Remedy for Parasites

The seeds from pumpkins, or any other variety of winter squash, make a healthy and tasty snack. They're protein rich and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin A.

Commercially available green pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, have had their fibrous white hull removed. To hull your home-prepared seeds, crack each seed individually between your teeth, discard the hull and savor the tender kernel.

It's faster to crunch and swallow the seeds and hulls together. This, incidentally, is a home remedy for expelling pinworms or other intestinal parasites. As the seed and hull pass through your digestive tract, the seed is assimilated and the fibrous, indigestible hull gently scours out unwelcome guests.

To roast pumpkin seeds place them on a lightly buttered cookie sheet and add a pat of butter and a dash of cinnamon or curry powder and salt. Bake for about 15 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven, stirring once, until the seeds are aromatic and lightly browned.

May you be well nourished,

Rebecca Wood