Pumpkin Seeds 101: How to Prep & Season

Pumpkin seeds are delicious, nutritious, and versatile seeds packed with valuable vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Prepping pumpkin seeds involves cleaning, removing the hull, and drying or roasting them. Follow this simple guide to prepare your pumpkin seeds:

1. Harvest:

- Start with fresh, ripe pumpkins that haven't been treated with pesticides or chemicals.

2. Cleaning:

- Wash the pumpkin thoroughly to remove dirt or debris from its exterior.

3. Seed Extraction:

- Cut open the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.

- Separate the seeds from the pulp by hand or using a colander.

- Rinse the seeds thoroughly to eliminate any remaining pulp.

4. Hulling (Optional):

- While edible, the pumpkin seeds' outer hulls can be tough. Removing them (hulling) will yield tenderer and more palatable seeds.

- Place the clean seeds in a bowl, cover with water, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

- After soaking, the hulls become soft and easier to remove.

- Gently squeeze each seed between your fingers to remove the hull.

- Drain and rinse the hulled seeds to remove any loose hull pieces.

5. Drying or Roasting:

-Spread the hulled seeds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

- Bake the pumpkin seeds for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

- Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.

6. Storing:

- Allow the pumpkin seeds to cool completely.

- Store the roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious homemade pumpkin seeds as a snack, add them to salads, yogurt, granola, or trail mixes, or use them in baking and various culinary creations.