Pumpkin Seeds: San Francisco Area Fields Hold The Best Fall Treat

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

1. 6 Spirited Pumpkin Patches in Half Moon Bay
2. Speer Family Farms - Alameda Point
3. Livermore's Iconic Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, G&M Farms, Announces 2021 Dates
4. Joan's Farm & Pumpkin Patch -Livermore
5. Smith Family Farms - Brentwood
6. Three Nunns Farm - Brentwood
7. ABC Farms Pumpkin Patches:

• San Carlos: 900 Block NE El Camino Real between Arroyo and Brittan Avenues, 94070
  
• San Mateo: 1863 S. Norfolk St. at Fashion Island Blvd., 94403
• Burlingame: 1810 El Camino Real at Trousdale Drive, 94010
• Daly City: 3 Serramonte Center, 94015
• San Bruno: 1150 El Camino Real, 94066
• Half Moon Bay: Hwy 1 at Hwy 92, 94019

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.

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:

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.