Skip to main content

Categories: baking / halloween / fall / thanksgiving

How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds

 
1. Cut a hole at the top of the pumpkin like so using a sharp and sturdy knife or a tool from your pumpkin carving kit. Make the hole large enough for your arm to fit through.

 

2. Remove the lid from the pumpkin. Now you’re ready to get cleaning!

 

3. Use a scoop or ladle to remove the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin. Start from the bottom and scrape up the sides removing as much as possible. This is known as removing the “guts” of the pumpkin.

 

4. Separate the seeds from the pulp and strings as much as possible and place the seeds into a large bowl. Place the seeds in a large bowl or pot filled with water.

 

5. Let the seeds soak for 2-3 minutes. The pumpkin seeds will float to the top of the bowl, while the “guts” sink to the bottom.

 

6. Use a spatula and skim top layer of water to pick up the pumpkin seeds, making sure to avoid the “guts”, and place in separate bowl.
 
7. Rinse seeds again in a colander to remove any residue.

 

8. Spread the seeds out on parchment paper or pan to dry overnight. Your seeds will be ready to be roasted to your liking!
 
Tips:
  • This will get messy so make sure to have a large enough work space.
  • Waiting till your pumpkin is at room temperature before cutting into it can reduce the mess.
  • You can also dry pumpkin seeds by placing them in the oven for 1 hour at 325 F (163 C).