How long do raw pumpkin seeds last in fridge? Pumpkin season is here, and it’s a great opportunity to make use of delicious pumpkin seeds right at home. Pumpkin seeds are not only a crunchy and nutritious snack, but also a great addition to favorite dishes like salads, pasta, chocolate bark or pumpkin-flavored granola.
Let’s explore how to store and use pumpkin seeds to keep them fresh and nutritious with tree02.com.
What are pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are the small seeds found inside fresh pumpkins. The Spanish term “pepitas” (which means “little pumpkin seeds”) is another name for them.
They are flat, oval-shaped seeds with a white outer shell, which is sometimes removed before eating. Although edible, the shell can be difficult to digest.
You can also roast pumpkin seeds. Seasoned and roasted, they make a delicious snack or a great addition to many recipes.
We love adding them to our pumpkin chia seed pudding recipe or our surprisingly delicious frozen pumpkin soft serve ice cream recipe.
Why are pumpkin seeds a good snack?
First and foremost, pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack option because of their high nutritional content. These little seeds are delicious!
They have many health benefits, containing healthy fats, magnesium, and other nutrients that support heart and bone health.
Want to add more iron to your diet? Pumpkin seeds can help! More than 9 mg of iron can be found in one cup of pumpkin seeds.
For reference, the recommended daily intake of iron for premenopausal women is 18 mg, and for men and postmenopausal women is 8 mg. That’s great!
They are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants such as selenium and beta carotene, and are an excellent source of zinc, phosphorus, manganese, protein and fiber.
How can you use pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to fresh green salads, homemade oatmeal or granola, granola bars and nut mixes.
Pure pumpkin seeds make a great crunchy topping for fish or other tender meats, such as lamb.
You can also add texture to pasta or soups – pumpkin seeds are great sprinkled over pumpkin soup.
You can make pumpkin seed butter by substituting nuts in a nut butter recipe, or use them in place of pine nuts in pesto.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a popular and super easy to make with ingredients you already have in your pantry. Kids love roasted pumpkin seeds too!
How do you know if your pumpkin seeds have gone bad?
It may seem like pumpkin seeds will keep for a long time, but that’s not true – pumpkin seeds actually have a very short shelf life.
Because of their high oil content, pumpkin seeds tend to spoil faster than other similar foods in your pantry.
Appearance – Pumpkin seeds that are damp, moldy, or discolored should not be eaten, as these are signs of spoilage.
Smell – Seeds that smell musty are a sign that mold has developed early, even if they are not visible. Any food that smells musty or rancid should be thrown out.
Taste – If the seeds look and smell as expected, the taste will be the final clue as to whether your pumpkin seeds have gone bad. If they taste bitter or have another unpleasant flavor, they are no longer good.
Do pumpkin seeds need to be refrigerated?
While it is not necessary to refrigerate pumpkin seeds, keeping them in a cool environment can extend their shelf life, especially if you live in a warm or humid climate.
In these climates, seeds are susceptible to high humidity and heat, which can cause them to spoil quickly or lose their crispness. To ensure that pumpkin seeds are stored at their best, transfer opened packages to a resealable container or bag before placing them in the refrigerator. This will help maintain the freshness of the seeds and keep them free from environmental influences.
How long do raw pumpkin seeds last in the fridge
You will want to roast or cook fresh, raw pumpkin seeds within 2-3 days if they are stored in an airtight container.
Unroasted or uncooked pumpkin seeds should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can also preserve pumpkin seeds for later use by freezing them.
To freeze pumpkin seeds, spread them in a single layer on a baking tray and place the baking tray in the freezer for a few hours.
After the seeds are frozen, move them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, so make sure to write the date on the bag.
Should you eat raw pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is certainly safe to enjoy raw pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are easy to chew and can be eaten raw or cooked, though some people may find it more difficult to digest them.
Shelled pumpkin seeds have more fiber. Raw pumpkin seeds are safe to eat, but they contain high levels of phytic acid.
Phytic acid is found in foods such as seeds, nuts, and grains, and has been shown to reduce the bioavailability of other nutrients such as iron and zinc.
This nutrient can also slow down the production of digestive enzymes that help break down food.
For these reasons, raw pumpkin seeds are not recommended for people with digestive problems or those with low iron and zinc levels.
Can the seeds be stored long-term after being separated?
Once the pumpkin seeds have been separated from the fruit and washed, they should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. In this environment, the seeds can be nourished for up to a week. However, if you do not intend to use them within that time, consider roasting the seeds for longer-term storage. Pumpkin seeds can be stored at room temperature for up to a month, in the refrigerator for about three months, and even in the freezer for up to six months and still retain their flavor
Can I dry pumpkin seeds overnight?
When you’ve just chopped up your pumpkin seeds and plan to roast them, it’s important to dry them before roasting. You can spread them out in a thin layer on a baking sheet and let them sit overnight at room temperature. This will give them a crispier texture when roasted and will help them retain their flavor. When they’re not quite done, you can just pop them in the oven for delicious roasted pumpkin seeds
How to Clean and Prepare Pumpkin Seeds
Preparation is the longest step in making delicious pumpkin seeds because each individual seed has to be separated from the fibrous, gooey, bright orange flesh inside the pumpkin.
So roll up your sleeves and get started! Open the pumpkin. If you are making a decorative Jack O’ Lantern from a pumpkin, you will want to cut a round hole in the top or bottom of the pumpkin to get the seeds. Otherwise, cut however you see fit.
Scoop out the seeds. You can do this using a sturdy metal spoon or a spoon specifically designed for scooping out the flesh and seeds. Do not let the flesh dry out.
Soak the seeds. Place the flesh and seed mass in a large bowl. Run water through them and use your hands to stir the seeds, removing any fleshy strands. This will separate the seeds very easily. Drain off any excess water.
Give the seeds a good rinse. The seeds should have as much of the flesh removed as possible.
Give the seeds some oil. You can skip this step as it is not required. But use salt water if you decide to cook the seeds. This will facilitate more equal cooking and oil absorption by the seeds.
Dry the seeds. Drain the clean seeds in a sieve and use a towel or paper towel to dry them thoroughly to absorb any excess moisture. This step will ensure they are crispy when baked. Dry roasting the beans will also help shorten your cooking time.
How to Season Pumpkin Seeds
There are many flavoring options for sprinkling pumpkin seeds on top before roasting.
Toss the seeds with a small amount of oil or melted butter and your favorite seasoning or topping.
Here are some great ideas for adding flavor to your roasted seeds:
Savory seeds – paprika, cumin, chili powder, ranch dressing mix, garlic salt or garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, tajin, cayenne pepper
Sweet seeds – brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, honey, maple syrup
After sprinkling the seeds with your desired topping, arrange them evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake at 300°F until golden brown, then let cool completely before placing in an airtight container or bag.
Roasted seeds can last for several weeks at room temperature and for 2-3 months if frozen for later use if stored properly.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your fresh pumpkin seeds, proper storage is essential. By keeping them in the refrigerator, you can extend their shelf life by several months while still maintaining their freshness and nutritional value. Don’t forget to check the seeds before using them to ensure the best quality. With these simple storage tips, you’ll always have a supply of crunchy, extra pumpkin seeds on hand to add to your favorite surprise dishes.
