National Pumpkin Seed Day

National Pumpkin Seed Day is observed on the first Wednesday of October each year. It’s a tasty little celebration of pumpkin seeds (pepitas)—their crunch, flavour, health benefits, and the fun of snacking or cooking with them as autumn begins.

History of National Pumpkin Seed Day

Pumpkin seeds have been valued for thousands of years, in places like central Mexico, by ancient civilizations for their nutritional and medicinal properties. As awareness of healthy, plant-based foods has grown in modern times, pumpkin seeds have become appreciated both in diet and culinary uses.

The holiday itself is relatively new. It was introduced by food enthusiasts and companies who wanted a day just for appreciating pumpkin seeds—roasting them, using them in recipes, and recognizing their place as a wholesome snack and ingredient.

Why is National Pumpkin Seed Day important?

Pumpkin seeds are more than just a snack—they’re packed with nutrients like protein, healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants. Celebrating this day reminds us how simple foods can contribute meaningfully to a balanced diet, giving us something crunchy, satisfying, and good for us.

Also, food has a cultural role. Pumpkin seeds feature in various recipes around the world, from seeds roasted with spices to toppings on salads, breads, or desserts. A day like this encourages creativity in the kitchen and invites people to explore flavor, texture, and tradition.

• because it highlights a nutritious seed most of us might overlook
• because eating pumpkin seeds can be a simple way to improve health
• because they offer culinary versatility across sweet and savory dishes
• because celebrating food reminds us of seasons, harvest, and nature’s cycles
• because it gives people a reason to try something new in their cooking or snacking

How to Celebrate National Pumpkin Seed Day

Start by roasting a batch of pumpkin seeds at home. Use your favorite seasonings—salt, paprika, garlic, maybe something spicy or sweet. Share them with friends or family as a snack with tea or movie night.

You could also incorporate pumpkin seeds into meals: sprinkle them on oatmeal, salads, yogurt; blend into smoothies; or bake them into breads or muffins for texture. Another idea is trying recipes from around the world that use pumpkin seeds in different ways.

• roast pumpkin seeds with seasonings you like
• add them to breakfast bowls, salads, or yogurt
• bake them into bread or muffins for extra crunch
• try contrasting sweet and spicy flavors when roasting
• share your pumpkin seed creations with others

National Pumpkin Seed Day Dates Table

Alex’s Take on National Pumpkin Seed Day

I really love seeds — both sunflower and pumpkin. They’re healthy, as long as you eat them in moderation. But a word of caution: be careful not to damage your teeth. With constant snacking, it’s not just the enamel that wears down, but you can actually develop a pretty visible groove. Let’s just say a “friend of mine” had that happen. So I had to ease up a bit on my love for this type of snack. Sadly, shelled seeds just don’t have the same taste.