Pumpkin seeds are collected for replanting next year or drying for snacks.
Pumpkins are available in many varieties such as miniature, sweet and giant. Some varieties are available only through saving the pumpkin's seeds. It is common to save pumpkin seeds when growing competition giants. This allows the gardener to grow and develop super-size pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds can also be collected from store-purchased pumpkins. These seeds are dried or roasted for snacks. When a pumpkin has reached its mature size, the seeds are ready for collecting.
Instructions
1. Wash the outside of the selected pumpkin with soapy water. Dry the pumpkin with a soft cloth. Removing the surface dirt prevents contamination of the pumpkin meat when the knife cuts through the skin.
2. Place the pumpkin on a cutting board on a sturdy surface. Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin or cut the pumpkin in half with a sharp knife.
3. Remove the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin by scraping the sides of the pumpkin with a large spoon. Place the seeds and stringy insides on a newspaper.
4. Put the seeds in a colander in the kitchen sink. Run cool water on the seeds while swishing them around to separate the seeds from the strings. Pull off the strings as you rinse the seeds.
5. Line a cookie sheet with a layer of paper towels. Place the washed pumpkin seeds on the paper towels. Let the seeds air dry before storing.
Tags: pumpkin with, paper towels, seeds from
