How to roast and season pumpkin seed

You shouldn’t throw out the seeds of a pumpkin you have carved for Halloween. Roasting these nutritious seeds will give them a pleasant, mild taste and make them satisfyingly crunchy.

Recipe developer and nutrionist Theresa MazzaCalls pumpkin seeds “incredible”There are many reasons why you might want to use it:

• They are very nutritious. “They are an amazing source of heart-healthy fats, vitamin K, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper,” says Mazza. Learn more about the health-benefits of pumpkin seeds.
• They are great for on-the-go!. You can pack small, healthy seeds for a snack or lunch. Keep them in your bag or purse so you can grab something to munch on during a hectic day.
• They can be used with many different flavor profiles. Mazza says that pumpkin seeds are mild and can be used with any type of seasoning.
• They make great toppingsThe seeds can be eaten as-is or added to other recipes. Mazza says you can either eat the seeds raw or add them to soups, salads, and ice cream. Even if you don’t have pine nuts available, you can also add them to pesto.

Mazza claims that squash and pumpkins helped people survive the harsh winters back thousands of years ago. Because of their thick rinds, and their ability keep for long periods of times, pumpkins are able to do this. Both the seeds and flesh of a pumpkin can be eaten.

The roasting of pumpkin seeds enhances them by giving them a light, crispy texture that gives them great flavor.

How to remove, clean and dry pumpkin seeds

“Removing pumpkin seeds from a pumpkin is supposed to be messy! That is the fun part about it,” says Mazza. Use newspapers or a tablecloth to minimize the mess when you are ready to plant your seeds.

Mazza suggests that you start by cutting a hole in the pumpkin’s top. You should cut in a circular motion all around the stem. Make sure that the hole is big enough for your hand to fit inside.

You can scoop the seeds out with your hands or a spoon using a metal spoon. After you have removed all the seeds, begin gently removing any pulp from the seeds. Then rinse the seeds with water in a colander.

Final step: “lay pumpkin seeds out onto a large kitchen towel and let dry completely before roasting,” Mazza says. The pumpkin seeds should be dried to ensure they don’t steam in the oven.

How to eat Pumpkin seeds

Mazza says that you have two options when it comes to pumpkin seeds: shell them or eat them whole. Although shelling is more laborious, some prefer to remove the outer shell as they don’t like its fibrous texture.

How to store pumpkin seeds

“Roasted pumpkin seeds can be kept in an airtight container or zip-top bag for a few days. Anything longer, think about the refrigerator or freezer,” offers Mazza.

The seeds can be stored in a sealed container on the countertop for up to three days. They’ll last up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 6 month in the freezer.

Insider’s takeaway

Roasting pumpkin seeds can help you get the most out of your pumpkin. The seeds of roasted pumpkin have a delicious, toasty, nutty taste with a little crunch. Watch the oven as you roast pumpkin seeds. Cook times can vary according to the size of the seeds and your oven. Roasted pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack, or added to recipes for extra texture.