200 kinds! Yes, you are reading this correctly, there are 200 Varieties of Pumpkins, all yielding different size and tasting seeds!

However, commercially few varieties are farmed and harvested for their seeds. At the maximum, you’ll find a half a dozen or so varieties at stores and garden centers with better luck coming online. Each variety has different characteristics. From massive jumbo world record weighing pumpkins to large pumpkins, medium pumpkins grown for their flesh/meat, small pumpkins, and decorative miniature pumpkins. Colors range all over the spectrum, including many shapes and sizes.

Pumpkin seeds have been consumed for many years and show no sign of going anywhere anytime soon. Pumpkins themselves are thought to have first been discovered in North America and were widely used by Native Americans. Actual pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back as far as 7000 B.C. Pumpkin seeds have been eaten throughout history for sustenance and medicinal purposes too. For example, pumpkin seeds were given to sick people as a means to expel parasitic worms and intestinal parasites from the body. As a result, they were listed as an antiparasitic in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1863 to 1936. Today, some of the largest producers in the world include Mexico, the United States, China and New Zealand (https://www.jcsqualityfoods.com.au/)

Nutrients per ounce (28 grams) Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

• Calories- 125 (523kJ)
• Carbohydrates- 15.0 grams
• Fat- 5.4 grams
• Protein- 7 grams
• Vitamin A – 17.4 IU
• Vit. C – 0.1 mg
• Niacin – 0.1 mg
• Folate – 2.5 mcg
• Minerals – Calcium – 15.4 mg
• Iron – 0.9 mg
• Magnesium – 73.4 mg
• Phosphorus – 25.8 mg
• Potassium – 257 mg
• Sodium – 5 mg
• Zinc – 2.9 mg
• Copper – 0.2 mg
• Manganese – 0.1 mg

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds build strong bones

Being highly rich in magnesium and calcium, pumpkin seeds help maintain healthy bones. Magnesium is good for growth and strength of bones.  It has been observed that people with ample amounts of Magnesium in their diet tend to have a higher density of minerals in their bones. This helps to avoid risks like bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds Packed with Powerful Antioxidant

Pumpkin seeds have great antioxidant potential due to the presence of Vitamin E and carotenoids. These antioxidants help in reducing inflammation and also protect our body from damage caused by free radicals. Thus, they provide us with protection from innumerable diseases.

Cardio-protective elements in Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are very good for the health of our heart. Antioxidants in them protect our heart from various disorders. Magnesium in pumpkin seeds helps to lower our blood pressure. Magnesium also lowers bad cholesterol (LDL ) levels and triglycerides. This reduces the risk of heart diseases. Fiber present in pumpkin seeds also reduces cholesterol levels, thus protecting our heart.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds Help in Management of Diabetes

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps to lower blood sugar levels which is beneficial for people with diabetes mellitus. What is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, refers to a group of metabolic disorders that affects how our body uses blood sugar or glucose. Since pumpkin seeds prove to be useful in the management of diabetes, they can be included in your Diabetes Diet Plan.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds daily Immunity Booster

Pumpkin seeds are good for our immune system due to the presence of vitamin E and zinc. Vitamin E enhances immune responses and protects against several infectious diseases. It is also a powerful antioxidant and prevents free radicals from damaging healthy cells in our body. Zinc protects our body from inflammation, allergies and invading pathogens, thus preventing infections, and increasing overall immunity. Pumpkin seeds exhibit antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds can Improve Quality of Sleep

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that cannot be produced by the human body and must be obtained through your diet, primarily from animal or plant based protein sources. Amino acid tryptophan present in pumpkin seeds is good for sleep. It is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. Both serotonin and melatonin help to induce sleep.

Eating Gerbs Whole Pumpkin Seeds Daily are Good for Weight Loss

Pumpkin seeds are rich in proteins and fiber. They make us feel full for a long time, reduce our food intake, and finally reduce the number of calories consumed. This helps in reduction of weight.

Pumpkin Seeds are Good for Prostate Health

Consumption of pumpkin seeds improves the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ( BPH ). Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. Zinc reduces the chances of prostate cancer. There is also limited data that suggests Pumpkin Seed oil may help to treat and prevent urinary diseases/disorders.

Pumpkin Seeds can Improve the Quality of Sperm

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. Zinc improves fertility in men. Zinc therapy improves sperm quality with increases in sperm density, progressive motility and improved conception and pregnancy outcome. It increases the levels of testosterone and also the quality and quantity of sperms.

Daily consumption of Pumpkin Seeds shown to be Good during Pregnancy

Pumpkin seeds contain a good amount of zinc. Zinc boosts immunity and helps in healthy growth of the baby. It is beneficial to consume zinc-rich foods in pregnancy. Poor maternal zinc status has been associated with fetal loss, congenital malformations, intrauterine growth retardation, reduced birth weight, prolonged labor and preterm or post-term deliveries.

The One and Only, Original and world famous – Gerbs Pumpkin Seed

Nutritional Value of Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

We are in the fall feeling here at Gerbs, with our BOGO 50% Pumpkin Seed Sale. The first Wednesday in October offers up the seasonal delight, National Pumpkin Seed Day! As the temperatures cool and the leaves turn, snack on these delicious tidbits.

Many of us have fond memories of roasting these delicious nuggets after carving the Jack o’ lantern. However, we never realized just how good (and good for us) they were. Surprisingly, pumpkin seeds have been valued for their dietary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been traced back as far as 7000 BC, according to archaeologists excavating a tomb in central Mexico.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds

One of the best, most alkaline sources of nutrition you can eat. Pumpkin seeds are incredibly high in iron, magnesium, and contain a larger amount of protein than chia or flax per ounce, boasting a total of 7 grams per ounce. They’re also rich in B vitamins and are the only seed to have an alkalizing effect on the body, though many others are considered alkaline in nature. This means pumpkin seeds help counteract acidity and at the same time, provide the support your body needs to feel its best. They even contain high amounts of anxiety-relieving trytophan, an essential amino acid, which helps improve serotonin levels.

• INSOMNIA?

Pumpkin Seeds are loaded with the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin in the brain. A balance of the neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.

• LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

Pumpkin Seeds have a high content of phytosterols, plant-based compounds that can reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. Pumpkin seeds and other foods are naturally rich in phytosterols.

• PROSTATE HEALTH

Pumpkin Seeds contains zinc and other antioxidants to reduce the risk of prostate disease.

GERBS ALLERGY STATEMENT

Do not trust your family’s safety and health in the hands of any other pumpkin seed company, because they simply do not go the lengths Gerbs buyers & specialists go to ensure your safety & satisfaction. All raw, roasted, or mixed products are produced, packaged, handled, stored, and shipped by Gerbs specially trained staff in our family owned & operated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island on dedicated non-GMO, 100% All-natural, Vegan, and Kosher Equipment. NO CO-PACKERS! NO SHARED EQUIPMENT! NO SHARED KITCHEN/OVEN SPACE! NO CO-MANUFACTURERS! 99% of our competition cannot make that statement. For anyone with a mild to severe food allergy or a family with one, we wish to assure you that Gerbs handles all aspects of production & operation, and we are among a handful of companies in the world who can claim with 100% confidence to be free from the Top 14 Food Allergies.

We are a dedicated top 14 Free brand, product line & facility, however if you have an allergy(ies) to any Gerbs ingredient, please email/call us first before ordering, so that we can answer any questions and talk about your ordering options in regards to cross contamination in our manufacturing facility: sales@mygerbs.com (tel) 401 – 231 – 5181.

Galen & Sennen Conte – Brothers & Co-Owners

Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods | Johnston, RI 02919 | USA | sales@mygerbs.com | Tel (401) 231-5181

As soon as cooler September afternoons and nights hit, there’s no better way to enjoy a crisp ‘fall’ day than in the kitchen with the kiddo’s, than baking up a fresh & food allergy friendly batch of Gerbs dark chocolate pumpkin cookies. Adding our flavor packed (new) pumpkin seed butter, fresh pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to this basic chocolate chip cookie dough makes for an amazing fall treat. These will be a hit at any school bake sale or dinner party.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/4 c. Gerbs all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 3/4 c. pumpkin purée
• 3/4 c. Gerbs Salted Pumpkin Butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 2 c. Gerbs traditional semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 c. Gerbs raw pumpkin seed kernels (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree, Gerbs pumpkin butter, egg, and vanilla extract until combined, then add flour mixture. Beat on low until no raw flour appears, then fold in Gerbs chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

Scoop 1” balls onto prepared baking sheets, press several pumpkin seeds onto top raw balls (optional, not in picture), 2 inches apart, and bake until puffed up and golden around edges, about 12-14 minutes. Set aside 2-3 minutes, then cool on baking rack.

Coming Soon! We will be giving away a free Gerbs ‘Safe Snacks’ Wrist Band with each qualifying order (while supplies last) Watch our Website, Facebook & Instagram Page for rules & updates !

About the Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a movement to raise awareness of food allergies and to create a safer, more inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep will let trick-or-treaters know that your house is food allergy-friendly. This can mean that you offer non-food treats or trinkets, such as glow sticks or small toys, and/or that you have allergy-friendly candy which is free of the top 9 allergens (including sesame). This simple act allows kids to enjoy the same allergy-friendly trinkets or treats whether they have food allergies or not. Teal is the new orange, and we hope you will join us in painting Halloween teal. Getting started is easy:

1. Provide non-food treats and/or allergy-friendly candy (free of the top 9 allergens, including sesame) for trick-or-treaters
2. Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to alert trick-or-treaters that you have a food-allergy friendly home
3. Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map
4. Spread the word! Share the Teal Pumpkin Project with your friends and family

Here we are. It’s January and we are at the height of cold and flu season. Not fun! In my house, it feels like someone has a new sniffle or cough every week! So, how do we ward off illness and prevent colds and flu during these long winter months?

The traditional everything-your-mother-told-you advice – wash your hands, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids – is helpful but what you might not know is that there are easy and delicious ways to prevent illness and recover from colds through the foods you eat.

In particular, certain nutrients can boost our immune systems making us less likely to fall ill and better equipped to fight off illness if we do catch something. Here’s a breakdown of some important immune-building nutrients and some healthy and delicious ways to enjoy them!

• Zinc—Gerbs takes great pride in having found its beginnings through our delicious roasted pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of plenty of vitamins and minerals. In particular, they contain tons of Zinc. This mineral is indispensable in maintaining strong immunity, as well as in healing and recovery. Enjoying a one-ounce serving of pumpkin seeds, provides nearly 29% of your daily Zinc needs.
• Vitamin A—Vitamin A is found in meat and is fortified in many dairy products. There are some plant sources that are allergy and vegan-friendly though, including orange and red fruits and vegetables. Try our no sugar added dried apricots as a great source.
• Vitamin B6—This vitamin can be difficult to find in our diets when avoiding dairy and eggs. It is primarily found in animal products. One other place to find it, though, is in seeds; this is especially true of sunflower seeds. On our site we carry a variety of sunflower and pumpkin seed mixes. Try the lightly salted bag for extra flavor, as well as a bonus immune-boosting mineral: Iodine.
• Vitamin C—Rather than taking an Emergen-C when you feel a cold coming on, ward it off by eating plenty of Vitamin C year-round through citrus fruits and berries. Our Super-5 dried fruit mix is a perfect way to enjoy multiple tasty sources of Vitamin C in one convenient snack.
• Vitamin E—Commonly found in plant oils, this vitamin and antioxidant is abundant in nuts and seeds. If you’re looking for a sweet way to nosh on this vitamin, our dried papaya strips should be a satisfying choice.
• Selenium—Guarding one’s immune system is a 24-hour job. Get plenty of sleep then enjoy a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Oats are a fantastic source of selenium, a mineral that is essential for optimal immunity. Doesn’t a bowl of warm oatmeal hit the spot on cold mornings?!

We would love to hear your tricks to prevent colds (or make sure they don’t linger!)- please share in the comments or on our Facebook page!

We wish you a happy, HEALTHY winter! Stay warm!

Parenting during the holidays is never easy. Everywhere you turn, there are sugar-laden treats tempting your little ones and undermining your efforts. With Easter and Passover just around the corner, it’s a good time to share some tips for teaching your children how to indulge wisely. As a dietitian and mom, I believe that the key to raising healthy eaters is moderation. Here is how my family practices moderation, so we can indulge in occasional treats (like the Spring Sunflower Cups, below!) without worry.

Everyday foods are healthy foods.

Making the healthy choice an easy choice is important- for kids and parents! In my house, this starts with meal planning and keeping plenty of nutritious options on hand. We stock our refrigerator with washed, sliced fruits and vegetables that the whole family can easily enjoy. The pantry is filled with snack-sized portions of dried fruit, pumpkin or sunflower seeds and whole-grain crackers.

Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.

It can be tempting to use food to encourage or discourage behavior but it’s not a great idea. Rewarding with treat foods simply puts that food on a pedestal and increases your child’s desire for it. Keeping a neutral attitude about all foods will help kids learn moderation and decrease the chances that they will become adults who are constantly “rewarding” themselves with food.

Be a good role model.

What happens when YOU overeat? As parents, our actions speak louder than our words. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and try not to show signs of guilt or make a big deal out of your own indulgences. We are all human and food is something to be enjoyed, not vilified.

When it’s time to indulge- choose wisely! 

When it is time for a little treat, be sure it is something truly delicious! These simple, allergen-friendly Spring Sunflower Cups are the perfect addition to your springtime celebrations.  Naturally portion-controlled and made with high-quality Gerbs Dark Chocolate and Homemade (or store bought) Sunflower butter, they are worth the splurge!

Print Recipe

Spring Sunflower Cups

These delicious, no-bake, allergen-friendly treats are the perfect addition to your spring celebrations! The key to this recipe is creating a "piping bag" using 2 gallon-size plastic bags. Check out our no-fuss tips for clean piping!

Course

Dessert

Prep Time

10 minutes

Servings

Sunflower Cups

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips 2.5 cups = 1 lb bag Gerbs' chocolate chips
• 1 cup Sunflower Seed Butter
• 1/4 cup Gerbs Sunflower Seeds (for garnish)

Materials

• 2 gallon-size plastic bags
• 40 mini cupcake liners

Course Dessert Prep Time 10 minutes Servings Sunflower Cups Ingredients 2.5 cups Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips 2.5 cups = 1 lb bag Gerbs' chocolate chips 1 cup Sunflower Seed Butter 1/4 cup Gerbs Sunflower Seeds (for garnish) Materials 2 gallon-size plastic bags 40 mini cupcake liners

Instructions

1. Heat chocolate in microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes or until melted smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Place cupcake liners on a cookie sheet.
3. Line two tall glasses with a gallon-size plastic bag. Scoop all of sunflower butter into one bag and 1/2 of the melted chocolate into the other. Remove liner from glass and twist bag to secure closed. To begin piping, cut a small hole in one edge of each bag.

   
4. Pipe enough chocolate to cover the bottom of each cupcake liner.
5. Pipe a layer of sunflower butter on top of the chocolate layer.
6. Refill the chocolate bag with remaining melted chocolate and pipe over the sunflower butter. Smooth tops of each cup using the back of a small spoon, if necessary.
7. Garnish each cup with a few sunflower kernels and cool in the refrigerator.

   

Recipe Notes

SHOP: Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips- Miniatures

Use HOMEMADE SUNFLOWER BUTTER in this recipe!

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Pumpkin Seed Stuffing with Mushroom & Kale using Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

Tasty vegetarian alternative to traditional turkey stuffing.

Please note that this recipe is not free from the top 12 allergens.

This recipe contains the following allergens: gluten and eggs. If you are living with an allergy to gluten, consider substituting the bread with a gluten free variety. If you are allergic to eggs, please refer to this resource on egg substitutions. As always, please consult with your allergist and or registered dietitian about how to manage your specific allergy. 

This Pumpkin Seed Stuffing with Kale & Mushroom and Seeded Rye bread (you can use any bread you wish but it should be bread with character! Seeded multigrains, crusty Sourdough French etc) can either stuff your turkey, tofu turkey or be used as a side dish. This Recipe uses GERBS RAW PUMPKIN SEED PEPITAS (there are seasoned varieties too) & GERBS HIMALAYAN SALT.

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Roasted Maple Sea Salted Pumpkin Seeds uses Gerbs Himalayan Sea Salt

Gobble, Gobble! Don’t toss your pumpkin guts!

You won’t be able to resist these EASY, QUICK & inexpensive Sea Salty Maple treats. Your home will transform into the splendid aromas of Autumn. From carving to roasting, this is a wonderful experience to share with your family or friends. Get yourself a big, plump & healthy pumpkin. This recipe comes from jerryjamesstone.com and it includes a video to show you how to do everything. Come on…it’s fun!

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Grandmothers Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Sweet Bread

This Allergen Friendly Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Sweet Bread comes straight from Gerbs Grandmother Lorraine’s kitchen.

The Gerbs kids LOVE it especially in Fall after collecting pumpkins. It uses 3 Gerbs products and you can buy them all on the Gerbs website:

1. PUMPKIN SEED MEAL (flour)
2. DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS
3. RAW PUMPKIN SEED KERNELS
This recipe contains the following allergen: eggs. If you or a loved one is living with an egg allergy, please refer to this resource on egg substitutions. As always, please check with your allergist or registered dietitian about how to manage your specific food allergy/allergies.
 
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This Recipe uses Gerbs Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed Meal

This is a Paleo Foundation Recipe by Angela Privin that uses Gerbs Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed Meal.

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Allergy Friendly Fruity Fruit & Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

An epic snack from breakfast to dinner, adapted from the What’s Gaby Cooking Blog.

This recipe is not allergen-free. It contains the following allergens: butter. If you or a loved one is living with a milk allergy, please refer to this resource on using milk substitutions.

“Lately I’ve been making these homemade Granola Bars with chocolate chips, dried fruit and chia seeds. They’re stuffed with dried cranberries, raisins and plenty of chocolate chips. I’ve been known to throw in dried cherries or apricots if those are on hand too. You can mix and match all kinds of dried fruit, just keep the proportions the same so the granola bars stick together properly and hold up when cut. You can serve these right away or cut them up and wrap each bar in a bit of parchment paper and refrigerate them until ready to eat.”

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