How To Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (or Squash Seeds)

Whether you are making pumpkin puree (click here for instructions), carving a pumpkin or helping someone else carve a pumpkin, or collecting friends and family pumpkins seeds here is how to turn them into a healthy snack. Also you will see images of Spaghetti Squash and the roasted seeds I made with it. With the spaghetti squash I made 'Squash' Mac and Cheese (click here for recipe).

Click HERE for health benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Step 1: Clean outside of pumpkin or squash. I used a fruit and vegetable spray that I made using vinegar and essential oils and then rinsed with water.

Picture is of spaghetti squash. 

Step 2: Collect the inners of pumpkin from either carving or sugar/pie pumpkins (pictures below are of a sugar pumpkin and spaghetti squash) and put in bowl.

Above is Pumpkin and below is Spaghetti Squash

Step 2: Put seeds and pulp in either in the kitchen sink or large bowl then fill with water.

You don't get as many seeds from the Spaghetti Squash. 

Step 3: Many seeds will float to the top, but there will still be some attached to the pumpkin pulp. Run our hands through the pulp and seeds to release the rest of the seeds, this can be done by putting the pulp in between your hands under water and rubbing together to release the remaining seeds.

Step 4: Begin scooping the seeds out and placing on dry towel. being careful not to scoop the pumpkin pulp. (If storing the seeds raw allow to dry for two days and switch to a dry towel after the first 30 minutes and allow to air dry for a couple of days.) At this point you can skip to step 6 or continue to step 5.

Step 5: Bring a couple of cups of water to a boil (2 cups for every cup of seeds). Add salt (about 1/2 tsp for each cup of water), then boil for 10 minutes. Doing this step softens the cover shell of the seed making it easier to chew.

Step 6: Place in ceramic dish (or microwave safe dish) toss with seasoning of choice (I used olive oil and sea salt, but you can use cinnamon and sugar, garlic, ranch mix, or nothing etc) and microwave for 5-7 min but stirring every minute. After 5 minutes, taste test to see if done (they will be done when no longer soft and soggy).  See below for oven instructions.

 Step 6: Enjoy!!! I leave mine out on the counter as a healthy munchy, Or I add them to salads and homemade nine grain breads.

OVEN INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.