In many cultures all around the globe, pumpkin seeds are used as remedies to cure various diseases. Even modern research has proved that pumpkin seeds are rich in many essential nutrients that the human body requires. For prolonged use, people usually wonder if they can dehydrate pumpkin seeds.
In case you are wondering whether it is possible to dehydrate pumpkin seeds without wasting their nutritional value, read the article below to get answers to all your questions!
Yes, you can easily dehydrate pumpkin seeds. It can be done under the sun, in an oven at a warm setting for 3 to 4 hours while stirring, or in a dehydrator at 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 to 2 hours.
Different methods of dehydrating/drying pumpkin seeds
Many people like to dehydrate their pumpkin seeds to make them crisp before consumption. We have mentioned 3 different methods that you can follow to dehydrate your pumpkin seeds effortlessly.
Start by scooping out seeds from the pumpkin and washing them thoroughly to ensure no fiber or flesh is left on the seeds. This is the first step to drying anything, be it mushrooms, dates, or seeds.
Next, strain the seeds and place them on a paper towel to dry. You need to pat them dry through a paper towel for 5-10 minutes, and your seeds will be all cleaned.
Now that you have managed to clean the pumpkin seeds, you can proceed to the methods of dehydration given below!
Method 1: Air drying pumpkin seeds
This method is considered the simplest and most effective one. However, it is highly time-consuming.
Step 1: Spread the pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet
Place the pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet. Make sure you have placed them apart evenly in a single layer, and that no clumps are present because they can cause mold.
Step 2: Air-dry the pumpkin seeds in a cool, moist place for at least 1 month
Now you need to find a location with minimum dampness. An indoor space such as a shed or hayloft works ideally for air-drying pumpkin seeds.
Note: Keep in mind to never air-dry pumpkin seeds in your basement, or they will be ruined.
Place the seeds in the space you found for at least one month. Examine your pumpkin seeds daily and flip them to ensure that both sides have dried evenly.
Step 3: Store the dried seeds in a paper bag or envelope
After 1 month has passed, check your seeds for complete drying. Then, pour all of them into an envelope or paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place until roasting or planting. If you cannot find an ideal location, you can place them in a refrigerator.
Note: While pouring the seeds into an envelope or paper bag, you need to discard any seed that has developed mold or mildew.
Method 2: Drying the pumpkin seeds in an oven
Drying the pumpkin seeds in an oven is the quickest and most hassle-free method. However, it is risky as the seeds are likely to burn if the temperature gets high.
Step 1: Place the pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet
Spread the pumpkin seeds evenly in a single layer on a cookie sheet. In case they do not fit on a single sheet, make use of multiple sheets.
Step 2: Set the oven temperature and place the sheet inside
Now, turn on your oven and preheat it up to 170 degrees. Place the cookie sheet with pumpkin seeds inside the oven and leave it for 3 to 4 hours. Keep in mind to stir the seeds to prevent them from burning.
Note: If you use a lower oven temperature, you might need to dry the pumpkin seeds for up to 12 hours.
Step 3: Let the dried pumpkin seeds cool down
Once the pumpkin seeds have turned crispy brown or are easily broken when bent, you will know that the seeds have been dehydrated successfully.
Dump all the dried seeds in a tray and set them aside in a cool, dry place to return to normal temperature.
Method 3: Drying the seeds in a dehydrator
Drying pumpkin seeds in a dehydrator is considered one of the safest and fastest methods to dry pumpkin seeds!
Step 1: Soak the pumpkin seeds in water overnight
After cleaning the pumpkin seeds, you need to soak them in a bowl of water overnight. The next day, drain the seeds and leave them on a paper towel to dry.
Step 2: Place the seeds on a single drying dehydrator rack
Place the pumpkin seeds on a single dehydrator rack evenly. In case your dehydrator racks have holes in them, conceal them with parchment paper to prevent the seeds from falling.
Note: Make sure you limit pumpkin seeds to one dehydrator rack per batch. This will ensure uniform dehydration for all the seeds.
Step 3: Set the dehydrator’s temperature
Now, you can either follow the temperature guide in the dehydrator’s manual or set the temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dehydrate the seeds for 18-24 hours. Make sure to flip the pumpkin seeds frequently to ensure that both sides dehydrate evenly.
Step 4: Store the dehydrated seeds in an envelope or paper bag
Dump the seeds into an envelope or a paper bag and store this envelope in a cool, dry place without moisture to prevent the seeds from getting rehydrated.
If you cannot find a cool, dry spot, you can place the bag with dehydrated seeds in the refrigerator.
How to store pumpkin seeds?
You can use a clean airtight container to store pumpkin seeds for snacking or using them as ingredients in various dishes. In case you do not find a suitable place to store your pumpkin seeds, you can place them in the refrigerator.
How long do dehydrated pumpkin seeds last?
Dried pumpkin seeds stored at room temperature will last up to 3 months. If you have stored the pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator, they can last up to 1 year. However, you need to examine the pumpkin seeds frequently, and if you spot any signs of mold, discard them immediately.
Is it better to dehydrate or bake pumpkin seeds?
It is observed that roasted pumpkin seeds that have been baked in the oven seem much tastier and flavorful than the dehydrated ones. In addition, baking results in a much crispier exterior of the seeds, which people usually enjoy. However, baking poses a higher risk of scorching the seeds than dehydration.
Can you leave pumpkin seeds out overnight to dry?
Yes, you can leave your pumpkin seeds out overnight to dry them before you proceed to dehydrate them. Leaving the pumpkin seeds to dry overnight is one of the safest methods for drying.
Here is an interesting article on how to dehydrate olives!
Related FAQs to dehydrating pumpkin seeds!
Are dried pumpkin seeds good for you?
Yes, dried pumpkin seeds are as healthy for you as regular seeds are. It has been proven that drying the pumpkin seeds won’t waste any of the nutritional value they hold. Hence, you can enjoy dried pumpkin seeds and receive iron, phosphorus, and other essential minerals.
Should I soak pumpkin seeds before eating?
It is not mandatory to soak pumpkin seeds; however, we recommend doing so. Soaking the pumpkin seeds in water before consumption or roasting results in a crunchier texture. Moreover, soaking pumpkin seeds will reduce the Phytic acid content present in them, which makes the seeds gentler on your stomach.
Can you eat raw pumpkin seeds?
Yes, you can easily consume raw pumpkin seeds. However, they taste much more delicious when roasted or dried.
Concluding my thoughts on dehydrating pumpkin seeds!
People usually tend to like roasted or dried pumpkin seeds more than raw ones. We have explained 3 different methods in detail to dehydrate pumpkin seeds for your ease. Whatever procedure you choose to follow, just make sure that you keep tossing the seeds from time to time to ensure even dehydration.
Now, you are all set to munch on tasty dried pumpkin seeds!