Pumpkin Seeds From Stony Brook WholeHearted Foods

If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.

After learning from a New York City-based forager that most pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, come from as far away as China, Stony Brook WholeHearted Foods debuted its new line of roasted, brined pumpkin seeds ($3 for 3 ounces).

The Finger Lakes, New York-based company–which produces a line of pumpkin, butternut, kabocha, delicata and acorn squash seed oils–is now selling bags of the crunchy snack.

The seeds, removed from each squash by hand and brined, are then roasted at a low temperature to preserve flavor and nutrients. Rich in omega-3s, zinc, copper, lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin E, the high-protein snack contains no preservatives but will last for about a year.

While they're satisfying straight from the bag, we'd also recommend sprinkling the seeds on salads, yogurt and grilled fish. They would also make a lovely cheese plate accompaniment.

We're glad Stony Brook took matters into its own hands.