Approximately 80% of the entire pumpkin crop in the U.S. is harvested in October. That means there are over a billion pounds of pumpkins available for making pies and for Jack-O-Lantern carving. It also means there are plenty of pumpkin seeds available.

Seeds can be roasted, salted, and eaten as a snack. That’s a good thing considering that National Pumpkin Seed Day is a holiday that falls on the first Wednesday in October, and you’re going to want to have plenty of seeds for celebrating it.

The History of National Pumpkin Seed Day

National Pumpkin Seed Day is a holiday that was founded in 2016 by SuperSeedz Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds. This company makes a variety of gourmet pumpkin seeds, so this holiday was created as a way to sell more seeds.

Facts About Pumpkin Seeds

Want a few tasty pumpkin seed facts? If you do, then we have a Jack-O-Lantern full of them. Below are some of the facts that we’ve found out about pumpkin seeds that we want to share with everyone.

• Pumpkin seeds are a good source of copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
• Pumpkin seeds are packed with antioxidants.
• Pumpkin seeds may help with insulin regulation.
• Pumpkin seed oil may reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Studies have shown that pumpkin seed consumption might lower the risk of some types of cancer.
• Eating too many pumpkin seeds may result in bloating and/or constipation.
• Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas.

Observing National Pumpkin Seed Day

While you’re carving your pumpkins for Halloween, it’s a good time to set aside some seeds for this holiday. Soak some of the seeds in water for a few hours to get rid of the pumpkin bits, pat them dry with a towel, and then salt them.

When that’s done, place them on a baking sheet and bake them until they’re toasty. While enjoying your seeds, don’t forget to post on social media using the hashtag #NationalPumpkinSeedDay.