Pumpkin Seeds Shelf Life: Can it Go Bad?
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are one of the few snacks that you can eat without feeling guilty and be proud of your healthy choice.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals.They are just as satisfying.
Pumpkin seeds can be frozen.Yes, you can.There are a lot of ways that you can use your supply.
Even though pumpkin seeds are more cost-effective to purchase in bulk, the best part is that a little goes a long way.
Anthony's Organic pumpkin seeds are my favorite on Amazon.These can last over a year if properly stored.
Pumpkin seeds can go rancid if they are not properly stored.You can keep a sealed package out of the sun for up to 3 months or place it in the freezer for a year or more.
The seeds are at risk of going rancid if they are exposed to air.Before you seal a package, make sure to remove as much air as possible.
If you open a package of pumpkin seeds, it is highly recommended that you transfer them to a bag or container that has an airtight seal and then keep them in the fridge or freezer.
No matter where you store your seeds, the most important factor is to make sure they don't get wet.
You can keep an opened container in your fridge for up to 6 months.You can double that by freezing pumpkin seeds.
If you enjoy carving pumpkins for Halloween or preparing pumpkin for your family, don't waste the seeds inside.
If you want to eat them right away, you can choose from many of the delicious options shared below but, if you prefer to hold onto them for future use, just lay them out in a single layer to dry thoroughly.
If you are concerned that your seeds have gone off, the first thing to look for is any strange odors.You should toss the entire container if there is any visible mold.
The only way to know if your pumpkin seeds are rancid is to taste them.
Even if they have gone rancid, they aren't likely to make you sick or cause any damage, but they will taste slightly sour or bad.Throw them out if you don't like the flavor as much as you used to.
If you bought a sealed bag of pumpkin seeds and they are not yet open, you can put them in the freezer.
It will last for more than a year without losing its quality.
If you want to freeze the rest of the pumpkin seeds, make sure you put them in a freezer safe container or a Ziploc bag.
If you want to keep your container dry, make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible whenever you open and close it.
You have to take a few steps before you can freeze pumpkin seeds.
If you want to dry your pumpkin seeds completely, you have to clean them off and spread them out on a baking sheet.
Parchment paper and not plastic wrap or aluminum foil sticks to it, so it is important to use it.
It takes a day or two for your seeds to be completely dry, so you can transfer them in a single layer to your freezer.
You want to freeze them individually so that they don't clump together.This will take about 30 minutes.
You can put them in any freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag after they are individually frozen.If you want to take some of the seeds out in the future, make sure you reseal the bag without air.
Pumpkin seeds can be frozen in the same way as fresh pumpkin seeds, but instead of waiting for the seeds to dry completely, you want to wait for them to cool completely.
They need to be room temperature before you put them into the freezer or the change from hot to cold will cause condensation, which will allow water to collect on the seeds and increase the likelihood that they will go rancid.
You don't have to thaw pumpkin seeds if you want to eat them.They will come out just fine if you put them into your recipe and freeze them.
If you want to eat them as a snack, you can thaw them on the counter and then start munching when they get back to room temperature.
They should be as good as fresh when you take them out of the freezer, but if you freeze pumpkin seeds, you can use them to make some great seasoning combinations for roasting.
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium and zinc, which can help you get a better night's sleep.
More than 75% of Americans are deficient in magnesium, a mineral that is responsible for controlling your blood pressure, keeping your bones healthy, regulating blood sugar levels and protecting your heart.
They are great sources of vitamins K, iron, copper, manganese and phosphorous, which are important factors for your health.
One of the good kinds of fat that helps keep you feeling full and satiated and actually fights weight gain is high in polyunsaturated fats.
Pumpkin seeds are low on the glycemic index, so they are diabetes-friendly, and there are only 180 calories per 14 cup of raw shelled seeds so you can get a nutrition-packed snack that won't ruin your next meal or your diet, should you be following one
Pumpkin seeds have been shown to fight inflammation.Most health experts agree that inflammation is the leading cause of chronic health disorders, including many types of cancer.
Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, which is a deficiency for most Americans.These delicious little nibbles can help protect your gut, improve digestion, and reduce your risk of heart disease.
A small amount of pumpkin seeds each day can be a great health decision for you.They are also very satisfying to eat.
Now that you have a large amount of pumpkin seeds, it is time to think about how you can eat them.
There is a difference between shelled and unshelled pumpkin seeds.Pumpkin seeds in the shell can be quite hard to chew and you might get tired of trying to get through the hull.
If you buy seeds raw, they will probably be destroyed.The shells are white and the seeds are green.
If you harvest your own seeds from pumpkins or buy shelled versions, they might be easier to eat if roasted or fried in their shells.If you are looking for zinc, you will get more of it with the shell on.
Pumpkin seeds are so versatile that you can eat them with or without their shell, so make sure to stock up on both.
Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to oatmeal for breakfast, a salad for lunch or a pasta sauce for dinner.They have a nice crunch and retain all their nutrition.
Without them, homemade trail-mix isn't the same.Pumpkin seeds can be used for added nutrition in dressings, sauces and dips.
Pumpkin seeds can be soaked for a few hours to encourage them to grow and make them easier to digest.
It gives the seed a completely unique flavor.They are delicious inside wraps, sprinkled in salads or eaten as is.
Baking with pumpkin seeds should be done more often.Pumpkin seeds can be used in many recipes, including desserts, bread, and even pie filling.
It is possible to make a brittle with them that is as healthy as it is delicious.Burgers and other plant-based meat alternatives use seeds.You can add flavor and nutrition by pureeing them.
It is very easy to make your own roasted pumpkin seeds, so it is highly recommended.
Simply toss unshelled raw, dried seeds with a little bit of oil and seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder and smoked paprika.They can be roasted in the oven on a baking sheet covered with paper at 350F for up to 15 minutes.
Try not to roast your seeds for more than 20 minutes, even if you like them crispier, because the healthy fats change in structure at that point, and a lot of the valuable nutrition is compromised.
If you are not careful, they will burn your mouth if you eat them.
If you are making a stir fry, pasta sauce or even a casserole, sprinkle some fried pumpkin seeds on top to make it unforgettable.
If you want to fry pumpkin seeds, warm a small amount of oil in a frying pan and add your seeds.Cook them until they are golden brown and crisp.
The shelled versions will work better if you add them directly to your sauces or sautéed vegetables.
There are plenty of nut and seed-based milks on the market, and there is no reason you can't make your own out of pumpkin seeds.
You can have homemade milk in minutes if you blend 1 cup of pumpkin seeds with 3 cups of water and a date and then strain it through a nut milk bag or some cheesecloth.
Adding raw, shelled pumpkin seeds to your smoothie is an easy way to do it.This works well for dairy-free soups and sauces.
Each pumpkin seed has the potential to grow into a pumpkin plant.Plants that are healthy will harvest 2 to 5 pumpkins per year, while mini pumpkins can produce up to 12 annually.
It is a good idea to plant 3 to 5 seeds per mound to increase your chances of a strong, healthy plant.
The circumstances have to be right in order to grow pumpkins.If you live in a cool climate, it is a good idea to start them indoors and transplant them only if there is no risk of a future frost.
You have to water the plants weekly and watch out for bugs.It is a good idea to train the vines occasionally, but they are not very difficult or time consuming.
Making sure the seeds are kept dry and cool is the most important factor in preserving them for planting.They can start to grow mold if there is a tiny amount of humidity.A glass container with a light in it is a great solution.
You can keep multiple types of seeds in a jar if you separate them into small envelopes or paper packets.
Jaron is a self-proclaimed food expert and author of this website.I started this website because someone told me I couldn't and I needed to prove them wrong.I fell in love with writing about food.If you have any remaining questions, don't hesitate to contact me, I hope you found value from the article you read.