How do you store pumpkin seeds?

Question

I am wondering how to store un-hulled (whole) pumpkin seeds for eating later (like summer!). I plan to roast them, so I'm wondering if I should cook them first, then store them, or do it while they're still raw. And what method should I use to store? Sealer bags, canning, etc?

Answer 1

As with most seeds and nuts pepitas have a high oil content so they will go rancid quickly. Purchase in amounts you will use within a week or so. Store in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Pepitas can be placed in freezer proof bags and frozen for up to 6 months or more.

Answer 2

Wash the fresh pumpkin seeds to remove all pumpkin fibre. Drain of all the water, and add a little salt. Dry in bright sunshine every day for a few days depending upon the intensity of the sun in the place where you live. Store the dry seeds in an air tight container for future.

If you do not enjoy bright sunshine during this season, try drying the seeds first on a kitchen napkin for an hour, add salt and roast the seeds in an oven at low heat and for a long time until they get crisp. The crispness can be felt only after the seeds cool down completely.

Answer 3

Pumpkin seeds are one of my favorite seeds! Definitely store them in the freezer like others have said, however, I've been reading a lot about food and enzymes and the benefits of eating foods that haven't been heated over 100 degrees or so. Rather than roast them why don't you soak them in some water overnight then toss them with some spices. Dehydrate them for a day or put them in your over on the lowest setting with the door cracked. They'll get just as crispy as if you had roasted them, but they'll still have live enzymes and be GOOD for your body rather than viewed as a toxin like most cooked food (yes, I am a raw food convert now, people).

Answer 4

To dry: carefully wash pumpkin seeds to remove the clinging fibrous pumpkin tissue. Pumpkin seeds can be dried in a dehydrator at 115 to 120 degrees F for 1 to 2 hours, or in an oven on warm for 3 to 4 hours. Stir them frequently to avoid scorching.

To roast: take dried pumpkin seeds and toss with oil and or salt and roast in a preheated oven at 250 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes

Store in an air tight container or a vacuum seal bag. Do not freeze.

Answer 5

They stay good longer if you stick them in the fridge. Otherwise, the heavy oil content in the seeds can cause them to spoil a bit after a while, and acquire a rancid taste. (I learned these things from the sign on the bulk pumpkin seed bin.) I just left mine in a closed tupperware-like container and they were fine. They started to taste a little off after a few months though.

Answer 6

Pumpkin seeds are best stored in the freezer. Use zip lock freezer bags for short term storage or sealer bags for long term storage.

Answer 7

If storing raw rinse and add flavor (salt, soy sauce, tamari ,etc...) and freeze then cook as desired or enjoy in their raw seasoned state.