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How to hull pumpkin seeds

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Jenise

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How to hull pumpkin seeds

by Jenise » Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:38 pm

I never knew how to hull pumpkin seeds to get at the little green gems within that I grew up calling 'pepitas', a Mexican name that may not be much known outside of California. So this morning I went looking on the internet and found these directions. Thought I'd share.

Separate seeds from stringy fibers. Wash seeds thoroughly and dry at room temperature or in a warm oven for 3 to 4 hours. The seeds should be mature and well filled. Seeds may be hulled or left whole. To hull seeds in quantity, first break them up with a rolling pin, hammer or food chopper, then drop the seeds into a large container filled with water. Stir vigorously to bring all the kernels in contact with the water and to break the surface tension. Kernels will sink to the bottom; the shells will remain floating. After the kernels have dried, they may be roasted in a frying pan on low heat or toasted in a shallow pan in an oven set at 325 degrees F. Mix approximately 1 cup of oil and 1 teaspoon salt, if desired, and heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The time will vary, depending upon their dryness. The hulled, toasted seeds can be used to replace nutmeats in baked goods or can be eaten as snacks. To roast whole seeds, toss dried pumpkin seeds with oil and/or salt and roast in an oven set at 325 degrees F. for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
My wine shopping and I have never had a problem. Just a perpetual race between the bankruptcy court and Hell.--Rogov
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Re: How to hull pumpkin seeds

by Karen/NoCA » Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:33 pm

Kind of the same way you get the pomegranate seeds, isn't it? Our three kids loved pumpkin seeds, especially our daughter. So each year at Halloween, it was their job to take the seeds out of the pumpkin and get them ready for roasting. They would take a big bowl of the mess out to our patio table and get to work. I can still see them out there, laughing, and squeezing the goo in between their fingers. They loved coming up with different flavor combinations. Sometimes it was salt, other times they wanted cinnamon sugar and butter.
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Re: How to hull pumpkin seeds

by Jenise » Mon Nov 01, 2010 2:46 pm

Nice memories, Karen. I've tried roasting the unhulled seeds before but I have to admit to never being entirely satisfied with my results--just couldn't seem to get the slime off sufficiently to my liking. But this year I've got five pumpkins sitting out in front, time on my hands, and a prednisone-fueled need for a project, so watch out.
My wine shopping and I have never had a problem. Just a perpetual race between the bankruptcy court and Hell.--Rogov
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Re: How to hull pumpkin seeds

by Leanne S » Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:25 pm

A couple of years ago I had a cooking accident that changed the way I roast pumpkin and squash seeds.
As I was trying to spread out the gooey seeds in a cookie tray, I passed it under the tap and the tray got flooded with water. Lo and behold, the seeds all floated into a perfect single layer. Instead of trying to drain the tray, I just sprinkled on some salt and put the whoe thing in the oven, flood and all.

As the water boiled off, it tenderized the hulls, and when it was gone, the seeds got golden with salt sticking to them.

So I've done it that way ever since. Got to watch out for burning once the water is gone, though.

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