Seasonal & Holidays

Pumpkin Seeds: Alameda Area Fields Hold The Best Fall Treat

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

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

ALAMEDA, CA — The Halloween season is upon us, and while it’s traditionally a time in Alameda 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 Alameda offer a great opportunity to support local growers and pick a perfect pumpkin for a pie or jack-o’-lantern.

  1. Speer Family Farms - Alameda Point
  2. Livermore's Iconic Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, G&M Farms, Announces 2021 Dates
  3. Joan's Farm & Pumpkin Patch -Livermore
  4. Smith Family Farms - Brentwood
  5. Three Nunns Farm - Brentwood
  6. ABC Farms Pumpkin Patches:
    • Fremont: 4020 Fremont Hub (corner of Fremont Blvd at Mowry Ave.), 94538
    • San Leandro: 15555 East 14th Street at the Bay Fair Center Mall (in front of Kohl's), 94578
    • Richmond: 2200 Hilltop Mall Rd. (between Walmart and JCPenney), 94806
    • Concord: WE'VE MOVED to 1765 Galindo Street, 94520
    • Antioch: 4650 Delta Fair Blvd. @ Century Blvd., 94509

    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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    1. After separating your seeds from your pumpkin, make sure you wash them thoroughly.
    2. Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
    3. Pat the seeds dry with a paper towel.
    4. Place the seeds in a bowl and toss with olive oil or melted butter.
    5. Spray an edged baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and spread seeds in a single layer.
    6. Season seeds with salt to taste.
    7. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.
    8. Stir the seeds about every 10 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.
    9. 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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