Squash Seed Brittle
Squash Seed Brittle is a crunchy, sweet confection made by caramelizing squash seeds (often from pumpkins or other winter squash) in a sugar or honey syrup. It's a popular homemade treat, particularly in North America during the autumn harvest season, utilizing seeds that might otherwise be discarded.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This treat is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the sugar syrup and healthy fats from the seeds, with a modest amount of plant-based protein. A typical serving provides key minerals like magnesium and zinc, with a calorie count generally falling between 150-200 kcal per ounce (28g).
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.2 mg |
| Potassium | 100 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.1 mg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a prime example of zero-waste cooking, transforming a common food scrap into a valued snack. Nutritionally, the seeds contribute beneficial unsaturated fats and minerals, making it a more nutrient-dense alternative to many other sweets.
