How to Harvest Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkins are one of the many delights of the autumn season. They make a delicious addition to muffins and pies, and are nearly entirely edible. The pumpkin flesh is the most commonly used portion, but the seeds have many uses as well. Once harvested the seeds can be shelled and eaten raw, they can be roasted and eaten shell in all, and they can be preserved and replanted. Harvesting pumpkin seeds can be done in less than 10 minutes and will quickly become a family favorite.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pumpkin
• Large serrated carving knife
• Cutting board
• Strainer
• Warm water
• Kitchen towel
• Non-stick cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Use the serrated carving knife to cut open the pumpkin. Carve open only the top of the pumpkin if it will be used for decoration. Slice the pumpkin in half if it will be used solely for cooking purposes.

2. Scoop out the pumpkin seeds using clean hands and deposit them onto the cutting board. Pull the seeds away from the stringy pumpkin pulp. Deposit the seeds into a strainer with small circular holes.

3. Discard the unnecessary pumpkin pulp in the trash bin. Place the strainer with the seeds into the sink underneath the faucet. Rinse the seeds clean with warm water and remove all of the remaining pumpkin pulp and slime.

4. Lay the kitchen towel flat upon the counter. Pour the cleaned seeds from the strainer onto the towel. Use the towel to dab off all of the excess water on the seeds. Transfer the seeds from the towel onto the non-stick cookie sheet.

5. Spread the seeds into a single layer on the cookie sheet and allow to dry for 24 hours. Use the seeds in the garden, save them for planting next season or roast them for a tasty high-protein snack.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow children to use the serrated carving knife.

References

• Pumpkin Seeds