Many gardeners like to collect pumpkin seeds from their own plants or from other locations. This way, they can get pumpkin seeds that they can replant next year or make a delicious snack. Fortunately, pumpkins are one of the easiest plants to seed because they have large seeds with a large number of seeds per fruit. However, before planting or roasting, you must clean and dry the seeds properly.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Picking up and Cleaning Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1. Slice the pumpkin so you can access the seeds
Place the pumpkin on a flat surface. Insert the tip of a large kitchen knife into the top of the pumpkin. Gently push the knife in while pressing it down and wiggling the knife to the other side to widen the slice. Continue to point the knife down. Once you've reached half the pumpkin, repeat this process from the other side.
- Once you've sliced both sides of the pumpkin, make a final slice all over the pumpkin. Next, open the pumpkin by hand.
- Hold the pumpkin firmly with your non-dominant hand. However, be careful not to place it in front of the knife.
Step 2. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin using a large spoon
Most seeds can be removed easily with a spoon. If there are stubborn seeds, move a spoon along the side of the pumpkin to pick them up. You can also use your hands to pick up seeds that you can't handle with a spoon.
If you have one, you can use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the seeds that are sticking to the pumpkin flesh
Step 3. Remove any flesh adhering to the seeds
The easiest way to clean meat is to use your hands. If you're drying the seeds for roasting and want to add some flavor, you don't have to bother cleaning the flesh. However, if you plan to plant the seeds, remove any adhering flesh.
Dip the tough seeds into the water so that the flesh becomes moist and easy to separate
Step 4. Put the seeds in a colander and rinse with cold water
Place the strainer in the sink, and pour all the seeds into it. Run cold water through the sieve and move the sieve by turning it so that all the seeds are exposed to the water. Next, place the strainer into the bottom of the sink and turn the seeds over with your hands while continuing to run the water so that all surfaces of the seeds are exposed to the water.
- Discard the pumpkin flesh that is still attached to the seeds.
- It doesn't matter if the seeds still feel slippery and slimy, this does not mean they are not clean.
Step 5. Dry the pumpkin seeds by patting them with a paper towel for about 5-10 minutes
Lay out 2-3 pieces of tissue on a flat surface. Dry the pumpkin seeds by placing and pressing them in a paper towel. After 5-10 minutes, transfer the pumpkin seeds to a clean bowl. Be careful not to squeeze the tissue.
Be sure to remove any meat and dirt that is still attached
Part 2 of 4: Drying Pumpkin Seeds by Airing Them
Step 1. Spread the pumpkin seeds on a cake or baking sheet
Place the pumpkin seeds in a baking dish and spread them evenly in 1 layer. Do not let any seeds stick together or touch.
If one pan can't hold all the pumpkin seeds, use multiple pans to work around it
Step 2. Air the seeds in a cool, dry location for at least 1 month
Find a place that is not damp. You can use an indoor area, such as a shed and hay shed, or a shady outdoor location. Do not use areas with poor ventilation (eg garages), and never dry pumpkin seeds in the basement.
- Check the pumpkin seeds daily and turn them over so they dry evenly on both sides.
- Do not let the pumpkin seeds clump. This prevents the pumpkin seeds from drying evenly and can lead to mold growth.
- This drying method is the safest and most effective, but it takes a very long time.
Step 3. Store the dried seeds in an envelope or paper bag until you are ready to roast or plant them
Place all seeds in a paper bag or envelope and store in a dry, cool location. If you're having trouble finding a suitable place, just refrigerate the pumpkin seeds.
Remove moldy seeds
Part 3 of 4: Using a Dehydrator
Step 1. Place the seeds on the drying rack in a single layer
Don't let the seeds pile up on each other. If the dehydrator rack has holes in it, cut the parchment paper to fit the rack size. Next, lay out the parchment paper on a rack so that the seeds don't fall out
Limit the number of seeds placed in the dehydrator rack for one drying process so that the results are even
Step 2. Dry the seeds at 45-50 °C for about 1-2 hours
Set the dehydrator to 45-50 °C and wait. Stir the pumpkin seeds every 20 minutes to allow them to dry evenly.
Dehydrators have a higher risk of damaging the beans than air-drying methods, but are safer than roasting methods
Step 3. Put the pumpkin seeds in a paper bag or envelope and place in a dry and cool location
Do not store it in a damp area to prevent the seeds from getting wet. If there isn't an ideal place to store them, place the pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator. Use pumpkin seeds if you are preparing to roast or plant them.
Remove moldy seeds before you store them
Part 4 of 4: Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1. Preheat the oven to the lowest possible setting
In most ovens, the lowest temperature available is usually 90 °C. In an electric oven, you may have to wait 10-15 minutes for preheating. In a gas oven, you may need about 5-10 minutes. Place the oven rack in the lowest position.
For a more accurate temperature measurement, you can use an oven thermometer to check the temperature
Step 2. Bake the pumpkin seeds in the oven for about 3-4 hours
Spread the seeds on a cake or baking sheet. Do not let there be layers of seeds that accumulate on top of each other. Place the oven rack in the lowest position, then place a baking sheet filled with pumpkin seeds on top. Set the oven to the lowest temperature (usually 90 °C), and wait for about 3-4 hours.
- Use a spoon to stir the pumpkin seeds every 20-30 minutes so they don't burn.
- If you want to plant them, be careful not to burn or burn the pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds will not grow if they are damaged by heat.
- This roasting method is the riskiest because it tends to damage the beans.
Step 3. Place the dried pumpkin seeds in a paper bag or envelope until you are ready to plant or roast them
Take all the dried pumpkin seeds and put them in an envelope. Furthermore, you can plant or bake them at any time.
- Remove moldy seeds before you store them.
- Always store pumpkin seeds in a dry and cool location. If you prefer, you can store dried pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to plant them.
Tips
- Always dry pumpkin seeds before you roast them. This makes it easier for the oil and seasoning to seep into the seeds and make them crunchy.
- Once you know how to dry pumpkin seeds, you can apply the same method to other types of pumpkins and harvest the seeds for planting later.
Warning
- When spreading the pumpkin seeds on a cake pan or baking pan to dry them, be careful not to let the seeds clump together. This prevents the pumpkin seeds from drying evenly and can lead to mold growth.
- Eating too much pumpkin seeds can lead to an overdose of B6. This can lead to death. Consume pumpkin seeds with caution!
- If mold grows on dried pumpkin seeds, throw them away.
