Pumpkin Seed Glaze…….
There’s something magical about the mix of roasted pumpkin seeds, warm cinnamon, earthy clove, and golden honey — a sweet and spicy blend that feels like autumn in every bite. But beyond the flavor, this crunchy, heart-healthy snack is loaded with nutrients that nourish your body all year long.
Pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc, magnesium, and plant-based protein, while honey adds natural sweetness and antioxidants. Clove and cinnamon bring warmth, improve circulation, and support digestion — making this an energizing snack for mornings, travel, or cozy nights in.
🍯 Pumpkin Seed Clove Cinnamon Honey Crunch
🌿 Ingredients
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
2 tbsp raw honey (or maple syrup if you prefer vegan)
1 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil for a lighter flavor)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground clove
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or a sprinkle of coconut sugar for extra crunch
🔥 Directions
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the coconut oil and honey together until smooth. Stir in cinnamon, clove, and sea salt. If using vanilla, add it now and remove from heat.
Step 3: Coat the Seeds
In a mixing bowl, pour the warm spiced honey mixture over the pumpkin seeds. Stir until every seed is glossy and coated.
Step 4: Spread & Roast
Spread the seeds evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer. Roast for 15–18 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely near the end — honey can brown quickly!
Step 5: Cool & Crisp
Remove from oven and let cool completely. As they cool, the coating hardens slightly, creating that irresistible crunch.
🍂 Serving Ideas
Sprinkle over yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls for a nutrient-packed crunch.
Add to your pumpkin spice lattes or coffee drinks as a fun topping.
Crush lightly and use as a dessert garnish — especially on pumpkin or vanilla ice cream.
Keep a jar on hand for a wholesome snack that satisfies sweet cravings without processed sugar.
💛 Health Benefits at a Glance
Pumpkin Seeds: Boost hormone health, improve sleep (thanks to magnesium), and support heart health.
Honey: Natural antibacterial, boosts energy, and soothes inflammation.
Cinnamon & Clove: Balance blood sugar, improve circulation, and enhance digestion.
🫙 Storage
Store cooled seeds in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks — though they rarely last that long once you taste them!
✨ Infused Tip
Try infusing your honey first: warm it gently with a cinnamon stick and 2–3 whole cloves for 20 minutes before making this recipe. The flavor deepens beautifully and adds an extra layer of spice to every bite.
🌿 1. Support Healthy Estrogen Balance (First Half of Cycle)
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that gently mimic estrogen).
During the follicular phase (roughly days 1–14 of your cycle), these nutrients help support natural estrogen production while preventing estrogen dominance.
The zinc in pumpkin seeds also helps your body convert cholesterol into reproductive hormones efficiently — giving you more balanced energy, mood, and skin clarity.
🌼 2. Boost Progesterone Levels (Second Half of Cycle)
Zinc is key for the production of progesterone, which balances estrogen and promotes calmness, better sleep, and less PMS.
Many women are low in zinc, which can lead to irregular cycles or mood swings.
Eating a small handful (1–2 tablespoons) of pumpkin seeds daily, especially around ovulation, supports that natural progesterone rise your body needs in the luteal phase (days 15–28).
💪 3. Supports Testosterone Balance (for Both Women & Men)
Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, which help support healthy testosterone levels.
This is great for maintaining muscle tone, motivation, libido, and metabolism — without pushing your body into imbalance.
Zinc also helps regulate the pituitary gland — the “master controller” of hormone signals.
💧 4. Nourish the Adrenals & Reduce Stress
Magnesium in pumpkin seeds helps calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol (your stress hormone), and support adrenal health — which indirectly supports all other hormones.
🌙 5. Great for Seed Cycling
Many holistic practitioners use pumpkin seeds as part of seed cycling — a natural rhythm-based nutrition approach:
Days 1–14 (follicular phase): Eat pumpkin seeds + flax seeds to boost estrogen naturally.
Days 15–28 (luteal phase): Switch to sunflower + sesame seeds to support progesterone.
✨ In short:
Pumpkin seeds help your hormones by…
Supporting estrogen in balance (not too high, not too low)
Helping your body make more progesterone naturally
Reducing PMS, bloating, and irritability
Supporting fertility, mood, and metabolism
Nourishing the adrenals and calming stress hormones
