Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to know when pumpkin seeds are done cooking? ›

Bake– Bake for 20-30 minutes at 325 degrees, or until the pumpkin seeds are crisp and light golden brown. Smaller seeds will need less time than larger ones. Let cool– As the seeds cool, they will crisp up a little more. Make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to a sealed container.

Transfer the dry seeds to a bowl, and toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the seeds, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. The seeds really like to stick together in clumps, but try to spread them out the best you can. The more separated they are, the crispier they will get.

Some people soak pumpkin seeds before roasting them—they say it helps make the seeds extra crispy. But our Test Kitchen found that soaking the seeds didn't make much of a difference when it came to crispiness. If you do soak your seeds, though, be sure to dry them thoroughly before roasting.

Many people scoop out the whole seeds and roast them — shell and all — as a snack. However, those sold in grocery stores are typically shelled. That's why commercial varieties are a different color, size, and shape than ones you might prepare at home. Even so, pumpkin seed shells are safe for most people to eat.

Pumpkin seeds can be dried in a dehydrator at 115 to 120°F for 1 to 2 hours, or in an oven on warm for 3 to 4 hours. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.

Allow to rest at room temperature until completely dry, about 1 hour. To speed up the process, dry pumpkin seeds in a 200°F (90°C) oven, stirring occasionally, or use a hair dryer.

Although you don't have to boil the pumpkin seeds before roasting, we recommend it. Boiling pumpkin seeds in salted water helps the salt to permeate the seeds inside the shells and helps them to cook more evenly.

How Long Do Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Last? Allow the roasted seeds to cool, then store them in an air-tight container. They will last this way at room temperature for a couple of weeks and in the freezer for a few months.

Boiling also helps the seeds to roast more evenly and, as a bonus, helps with digestion (some people soak the seeds to help with this, but boiling works just as well). I use about a half teaspoon of salt for every cup of water that I use, but you can use even more for extra salty pumpkin seeds.

Soak Them Overnight in Salt Water

But this step is the most important. Pumpkin seeds are covered in a thin membrane. The enzymes in the membrane are difficult to chew and digest, which is why you want to soak the seeds for 12-24 hours. For every 1 cup of seeds add: [2 cups of water + 1/2 Tablespoon salt.]

Why do you soak pumpkin seeds in salt water? ›

After cleaning your fresh pumpkin seeds, soak them in a bowl of water with one tablespoon of salt overnight at room temperature. This process will help soften the seeds making them easier to digest.

Do pumpkin seeds need to dry before roasting? Yes, they do. Spread 'em out on a sheet pan and let them dry for at least several hours. I like to dry them overnight even.

A. People allergic to pumpkin seeds should avoid consuming them. In addition, pregnant and lactating women, infants, people with hypoglycemia and hypotension should avoid eating pumpkin seeds. In addition, if you are on a low-calorie diet, you should limit its consumption as they are high in calories.

What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin seeds? The healthiest way to eat pumpkin seeds is to roast them yourself from a whole pumpkin. Pumpkin seeds that are straight from the pumpkin are lower in sodium and have more minerals than the ones you buy at the grocery store.

Pumpkin seeds can be raw or roasted. In addition to bringing to life the flavors, aroma and texture, roasting also increases the amounts of antioxidants available. It also makes them easier to digest! Raise your hand if you're all-in on healthy fats!

If your roasted pumpkin seeds are chewy after baking then either they are still warm (they'll be crisp once cooled completely) or they haven't been baked long enough. Look for them to be a beautiful golden brown color!

Generally, unopened seeds that are stored correctly are safe to eat until the best by date printed on the bag. However, once they're opened, the seeds may spoil if not kept in an airtight container. To ensure that your seeds remain fresh for as long as possible, pay close attention to the temperature you store them at.

Meanwhile, raw pumpkin seeds have a very mild flavor and chewy texture. As such, many people prefer roasting them, which gives the seeds a savory, nutty taste and crunchier texture. Raw pumpkin is more fibrous and less sweet than cooked varieties, while raw pumpkin seeds are chewier and blander than roasted seeds.