Pumpkin seeds are also known as Pepita. These seeds are usually found in pumpkins and plants belonging to other pumpkin tribes. Most pumpkin seeds are stored in a white or yellow shell which is also known as husk. The seeds themselves are green and flat. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a healthy food because they contain magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, protein, and zinc. Although pumpkin seed husks are edible, some people find them too tough. However, you can remove this portion of the husk by breaking it open and then boiling the seeds. In addition, you can also peel the shells of pumpkin seeds one by one by hand.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Peeling Pumpkin Seeds in Bulk
Step 1. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin
If you want to enjoy fresh pumpkin seeds, you can take them straight from the pumpkins you buy at the fruit shop. To start with, use a knife carefully to cut the area around the top of the pumpkin near the stem. Then, discard the part you cut.
- Use your hands, or a spoon if you prefer, to scrape the inside of the pumpkin.
- In addition to seeds, orange flesh will also be dredged. You will need to wash these seeds later. Collect the seeds and pulp in a bowl.
Step 2. Clean the seeds that have been removed
Once you've finished scraping the inside of the pumpkin, you'll need to clean the seeds and remove any flesh or juice. You can clean pumpkin seeds by placing them along with the flesh of the pumpkin in a colander. Then, run cold water in the dishwasher until the seeds are clear of most of the pulp.
A small portion of the pumpkin flesh may be difficult to clean, but this is not a problem. You just need to make sure most of the pumpkin flesh has been removed, especially if you plan to roast the seeds later. Too much flesh still attached to the seeds can burn in the oven
Step 3. Roll out the seeds with a rolling pin
Now, you can begin the process of cleaning the outer shell of the pumpkin seeds. The shell is non-toxic so it's safe to leave it alone, but most people prefer the softer part of the seed inside. To begin this step, spread the seeds on a hard surface, such as a kitchen counter or cutting board.
- Try to spread the seeds evenly so they don't overlap.
- Take a rolling pin. Roll the seeds with a rolling pin, pressing lightly so that the shell cracks slightly.
- Don't press the pumpkin seeds too hard. Don't let the soft seeds inside the shell be damaged. Roll with a little force to break the surface of the shell.
Step 4. Boil the seeds for five minutes
Boil a pot of water just enough to cover all the seeds. Take the seeds and put them in the water. The boiling process should allow the shells to come off slowly.
- Watch the seeds as they boil and remove them from the hot water once most of the shells have come off. You'll find the shells come off the seeds and float or collect in the bottom of the pan.
- This process generally takes five minutes, but may take a little longer or even faster depending on how many beans you boil. Fewer seeds may take a few minutes to ripen, while more seeds may take almost ten minutes for the shells to come off.
Step 5. Remove the seeds and refrigerate
When the shells are removed, remove the seeds from the hot water. Strain in the dishwasher, use a sieve or colander, then allow to dry.
- You can spread the seeds on a tray or tabletop lined with tissue paper to absorb the water.
- If there is a bit of shell still attached to the seed, you can pick it up with your fingers when the seeds are dry. Make sure you wash your hands first.
Method 2 of 3: Peeling Pumpkin Seeds One By One
Step 1. Remove and clean the seeds
If you are taking seeds from a fresh pumpkin, you will need to remove them first. Remember, split the pumpkin around the stem. Remove the parts you cut off by lifting the stems, then scrape off the flesh and seeds by hand. To clean them, you can put the seeds in a colander and wash them in cold water in the dishwasher.
- Make sure you remove most of the pulp, especially if you're going to be cooking the seeds in the oven. You certainly don't want the flesh to burn when cooked.
- Arrange the seeds on an open surface, then dry with a paper towel. If it's still a little wet, you may have to wait a bit before you can start peeling it.
- You can roast the seeds before peeling them if you prefer the seeds to ripen first.
Step 2. Take the seeds, then press gently until they burst
You may not want to peel a large amount of seeds for a large recipe. If you just want to eat pumpkin seeds, you can peel them while you eat. To start, take one pumpkin seed and press it gently.
- To peel the seeds, hold the seeds in the center with your thumb and forefinger. Grasp the other end using the thumb and forefinger of your other hand.
- Press the seeds in half. Keep pressing until the shell cracks slightly. This step shouldn't take much effort, and the shell isn't really that hard.
Step 3. Peel off the shell
Once the shell is cracked, you can easily peel the shell off with your fingers. Insert your thumb into the shard you made and pull until the shell breaks in half. Pull the shell on one side, then the other.
If there is a bit of skin still attached, try washing the pumpkin seeds with water to clean them
Method 3 of 3: Eating Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1. Eat the seeds as a snack raw
Many people like to eat raw pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are quite nutritious as they are rich in fiber and are a great source of magnesium, copper, selenium and zinc. If you are vegetarian or vegan, pumpkin seeds can be a healthy snack because they are rich in protein.
- Most people can eat raw pumpkin seeds without any problems, especially if the shells have been cleaned. However, if there is a small amount of shell residue on the seeds, you may get an upset stomach.
- You should take extra care when cleaning pumpkin seed shells if you are serving them to children so they don't choke.
Step 2. Fry the pumpkin seeds
There are many ways to cultivate pumpkin seeds. One way is to fry them in olive oil. Pour some olive oil into the pan. Adjust the volume of oil according to how many seeds you will fry. Just make sure there is enough oil to coat the pan.
- Let the oil heat for a few minutes, then add the seeds. Cook the seeds in the oil until you hear a popping sound.
- In this step, add a spoonful of sugar. Continue frying until the seeds pop again. Remove the seeds from the stove, let them cool, then enjoy.
Step 3. Roast the pumpkin seeds
You can also roast pumpkin seeds in an oven preheated to 190 degrees Celsius. Then, place the seeds in the pan.
- If you like a bland taste, you can just put it in. Some people prefer to sprinkle the seeds with curry powder, dried chipotle peppers, or cayenne peppers. Cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg can also be used for a sweet pumpkin seed recipe.
- Bake the seeds for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
