The #1 Way to Easily Get the Pumpkin Seeds Out of a Pumpkin for Roasting
Pictured Recipe: Pumpkin Seeds with Everything Bagel Seasoning
That's right folks, October is here and Halloween season is in full swing. Whether you prefer to dress up in cute costumes, crack open an Oktoberfest brew or enjoy some of your favorite candies, there are several things to look forward to at this time of year. Another fan-favorite Halloween activity is carving pumpkins, which is synonymous with crispy, crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds. But how can you easily extract the seeds without making a mess of your kitchen (or your artistic masterpiece)? We have a simple trick to help you get the seeds out of your pumpkin with ease, no fancy equipment required.
Related: How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Our trick for extracting the pumpkin seeds from the stringy pumpkin insides is quick and easy: Simply fill a large bowl with water and add the insides (or guts) of your pumpkin, seeds and all (you can also add the guts first and then the water). The solid insides of the pumpkin will start to sink and the seeds will float. Pull out the seeds from the top of the water, and separate any that are still connected to the pumpkin insides. Spread them out to dry on a plate lined with a towel or paper towel and voilà, you're ready to roast!
EatingWell's editor in chief, Jessie Price (follow her on Instagram @jessieeatswell), made our Everything Bagel Pumpkin Seeds and has several useful tips and tricks to get the most out of the delicious seeds.
This hack is a simple and fast way to make the most of what your jack-o'-lantern has to offer—and it works well with other types of squash, like butternut and kabocha, too. All you need is a large bowl and some water. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a super-inexpensive snack (you already bought the pumpkin, right?), and this method helps you cut down on food waste without having to spend all night in the kitchen. Check out our healthy pumpkin seed recipes for flavor inspiration and try it yourself this Halloween season.