Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas. They are found inside the pumpkin and other members of the gourd family. While pumpkins are available all year round, they are most plentiful during the fall. Most pumpkin seeds are held inside a white or yellow casing known as the hull. The seed itself is green and flat. Pumpkin seeds can be used as part of a healthy diet, as they are a good source of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, protein and zinc. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted or broiled, used as part of a recipe or as a topping. While the hull is edible, some people may find it to be too tough to enjoy. Removing the hull will remove the tough outer shell from the seed. Before carving your next pumpkin and enjoying the healthy crunch of a pumpkin seed, learn how to shell pumpkin seeds.
Steps
- Remove the seeds from the pumpkin. Use a spoon with a sharp edge to scrape out all of the seeds from inside the pumpkin. This will also remove the fibrous strands, the sticky insides, from the pumpkin.
- Clean the seeds. Place the seeds in a colander and hold it in a sink while running warm water over the seeds. You may need to use your hands to remove chunks of strands.
- Lay the seeds flat over a cookie sheet or parchment paper. Let dry if still wet from cleaning. Note, do not use paper towels, they will stick to the seeds.
- Roll a rolling pin over the layer of seeds to crush the hard shells. Control the pressure so you do not flatten the actual seeds, only break the shells.
- Fill a large pot with 4 cups (1l) of water for every 2 cups (475ml) of seeds.
- Turn the burner to medium heat.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the pumpkin seeds to the boiling water.
- Cover with a lid.
- Allow the seeds to boil for 30 minutes. During this time, the crushed shells will come to the top of the water while the seeds sink to the bottom.
- Remove the pan from heat and the remove the lid from the pan.
- Run a strainer across the top of the water to gather the crushed shell debris. You may have to run the strainer across the water several times.
- Drain the pan into a colander in the sink.
- Rinse the seeds in the colander with cold water.
- Lay the seeds flat on the cookie sheet or parchment used above to dry and cool.
- Finished.
Tips
- This method can also be used for seeds from other vegetables in the gourd family.
Warnings
- To prevent burning yourself keep your hands and arms out of the way of the water when straining the seeds.
Things You'll Need
- Pumpkin seeds
- Spoon
- Water
- Rolling pin
- Cookie sheet
- Colander
- Pan with lid
Related wikiHows
Sources and Citations
source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1zC9ANJ
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