How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds, Roast Pumpkin Seeds, and Enjoy

Discover how to clean pumpkin seeds with these simple steps, then roast them and enjoy a tasty treat loaded with nutrients and health benefits. They make a great snack, plus I love them in salads.

Pumpkin seeds are one of my favorite superfoods. Loaded with nutrients and vitamins, they are also delicious.

Until recently, we always purchased pumpkin seeds ready to eat and tossed out the ones in the pumpkin. Previously, it seemed too difficult to separate them from the pulp.

Then, a bit of research and experimentation on how to clean pumpkin seeds, and it turns out it’s pretty easy. We have included step-by-step photos below.

Health benefits of pumpkin seeds

Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Why are pumpkin seeds a superfood? While there is no official criteria for a superfood, they are foods that offer maximum health benefits for minimal calories. Check out some of the health benefits of pumpkin seeds outlined by Healthline.

• Relatively low in calories, with only 151 calories in 1 ounce (28 gm) of pumpkin seeds.
• They are high in antioxidantes, iron, zinc, magnesium and fiber.
• May reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, while improving prostate and bladder health, controlling blood pressure, and regulating blood sugar.
• May help improve sleep.

Did you know that The American Heart Association recommends that people include about 1 ounce (28 gm) of pumpkin seeds in their daily overall healthy diet?

What you need to clean pumpkin seeds

Cleaning pumpkin seeds involves cutting the pumpkin, scooping out the seeds, boiling, straining, and roasting. Therefore, you will need:

• Large knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Stock pot
• Strainer
• 9″x13″ glass baking dish
• Silicone basting brush
• Serving bowl

Ingredients for roasting pumpkin seeds

• Pumpkin
• Olive oil

How to clean pumpkin seeds

This same process also works for other squash seeds. We have been told it’s great with acorn squash, although we haven’t tired it yet.

Serving suggestions: how to eat pumpkin seeds

For me, I like to just eat them straight out of the bowl. Yes, I eat the hard shell and all. After all, the shell is loaded with fiber, thus improving its health benefits.

However, for those who don’t like the hard shell, peeling it off can be quite a fun process. It’s a bit slow and tedious, but we make a game out of it.

I also add pumpkin seeds to certain fish recipes, baked potatoes, or sprinkle them on salads.

The Details: How to clean pumpkin seeds and roast them

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