Guidance on Harvesting and Consuming Pumpkin Seeds from Your Own Grown Pumpkins
Discover the versatility of pumpkin seeds as a nutritious and flavourful ingredient in your meals. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the preparation, roasting, and creative uses of pumpkin seeds, turning them from a byproduct of pumpkin carving into a tasty snack or garnish.
**Preparation of Pumpkin Seeds**
Begin by removing seeds from the pumpkin. Rinse them under cold water, removing all orange pumpkin pulp and flesh. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess water.
**Roasting Pumpkin Seeds**
For optimal nutrient preservation, preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Spread the cleaned and dried seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet, lightly toss them with olive oil or any preferred oil, and season with salt, or spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, or pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking or stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Toss the seeds with a little olive oil and seasonings, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and roast for about 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even roasting.
**Tasty Ways to Use Pumpkin Seeds**
- **Snack:** Eat roasted seeds straight as a crunchy, nutritious snack. - **Soup Topping:** Toasted pumpkin seeds add a nutty crunch when sprinkled over soups, especially pumpkin soup. - **Salads:** Add roasted seeds to salads for texture and flavour. - **Baking:** Incorporate seeds into bread, muffins, or cakes for added nutrition and crunch. - **Breakfast:** Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls. - **Cooking:** Use as a garnish on roasted vegetables or grain bowls.
**Flavoring Ideas**
- Salt and pepper (classic) - Chili powder or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick) - Garlic powder or onion powder - Olive oil or avocado oil for coating seeds before roasting
**Additional Tips**
- For zero waste, after cleaning seeds, don't throw them away — roasting makes them delicious and nutritious. - Store roasted seeds in an airtight container for several days to keep them crisp. - Pumpkin seeds contain fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
By following these steps, you can enjoy pumpkin seeds as a versatile ingredient — from snacks to garnishes — enhancing your meals with their unique flavour and health benefits. Teo Spengler, a master gardener and docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, offers her expertise in horticulture and writing about nature, trees, plants, and gardening. So, get creative with pumpkin seeds and elevate your culinary creations!
[1] "How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds (with Pictures)" - wikiHow, https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Pumpkin-Seeds [2] "Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds Recipe" - The Spruce Eats, https://www.thespruceeats.com/air-fryer-pumpkin-seeds-recipe-3037769 [3] "Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition Facts & Calories" - Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-seeds-nutrition [4] "Pumpkin Seeds: Nutrition, Benefits, and Recipes" - Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-seeds-nutrition [5] "Pumpkin Seed Cake Recipe" - All Recipes, https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20913/pumpkin-seed-cake/
- Incorporate pumpkin seeds into your health-and-wellness regime by using them in various lifestyle choices, such as food-and-drink preparations, cooking, and snacking.
- To elevate your science of cooking and bring a nutritious twist to your health-and-wellness lifestyle, consider using pumpkin seeds as an ingredient in salads, baked goods, soups, or smoothie bowls.
