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Pumpkin seeds are a healthy choice to snack on, but many people don’t know how to make them. Starting with fresh pumpkin seeds is crucial for the best results; make sure to thoroughly wash and remove any pulp before proceeding. This recipe blog post will teach you how to make homemade dehydrated pumpkin seeds in a food dehydrator.
If you’re interested, continue reading this post below to learn more!
What are Pumpkin Seeds, and What Do They Taste Like?
Pumpkin seeds are a trendy treat. They can be purchased in the shell or hulled and roasted, salted, or flavored. Pumpkin seeds taste mild and nutty with a hint of saltiness. Raw pumpkin seeds are versatile and can be flavored with various spices, encouraging experimentation to enhance their natural taste in different recipes.
Pumpkin seeds are high in soluble fiber, which is also found in oats and beans. Soluble fiber attracts water, which helps lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids that aid in fat digestion. As a result, a diet high in fiber can promote weight loss and may reduce the risk for diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.
Pumpkin seeds are also rich in iron which is essential for oxygen transport to cells. Iron deficiencies can cause fatigue, weakness. In addition, these seeds are an excellent source of magnesium. This mineral helps relax muscles and reduce anxiety and phosphorus, which plays an essential role in bone-building processes (bone health). One ounce (28 grams) of a serving of pumpkin seeds provides more than half of the daily recommended dose of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is really important for supporting bone health.
Pumpkin seeds are abundant in zinc which plays a vital role in immune system function. Pumpkin seeds also provide a good source of copper, manganese, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Pumpkin seeds can be found all over the internet or at local grocery stores in the milled form or as the whole seed (with shell)
Benefits of Dehydrated Pumpkin Seeds
Dehydrated pumpkin seeds offer numerous benefits, making them a popular snack among health enthusiasts. One of the primary advantages of dehydrating pumpkin seeds is that it preserves their nutritional value. Dehydrating helps to retain the seeds’ high content of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Additionally, dehydrated pumpkin seeds are easier to digest than raw seeds, as the dehydration process breaks down some of the phytates and other anti-nutrients that can inhibit nutrient absorption. This means you get all the goodness of pumpkin seeds in a form that’s kinder to your digestive system. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack or a versatile ingredient for your recipes, dehydrated pumpkin seeds are a fantastic choice.
Preparing Pumpkin Seeds for Dehydration
To prepare pumpkin seeds for dehydration, it’s essential to carefully wash them to remove any clinging fibrous pumpkin tissue. Start by scooping the seeds out of the pumpkin and placing them in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse the seeds under cold running water, gently rubbing them to dislodge any remaining pumpkin flesh. Once clean, pat the seeds dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, spread the seeds out in a single layer on a dehydrator tray or baking sheet. If desired, add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt or other seasonings to enhance flavor. This simple preparation ensures your pumpkin seeds are ready for the dehydration process, setting the stage for a delicious and nutritious snack.
Remove seeds from the pumpkin using a large spoon or scooping with hands.
Rinse seeds under running warm water to remove any dirt, debris, and loose hulls. Do not use soap or dish detergent as it will be washed off before drying. Water temperature should be warm or slightly hot to remove debris but not damage the pumpkin seeds.
Dry seeds in a colander and then spread them onto paper towels to absorb the remaining water—place in a single layer on dehydrator trays (without parchment paper).
Properly drying pumpkin seeds is crucial to prevent mold and ensure that seasonings adhere well.
I prefer not to use parchment paper as I find that the moisture from the pumpkin seeps through and makes it stick to the bottom of trays. From my experience, a dehydrator with 8-10 trays works best if you are drying large quantities at once.
Dehydrate at 105 degrees F for around eight hours, checking halfway through to ensure even drying. You can taste some to make sure they are dehydrated.
Remove the skins by rubbing the seeds with your hands to remove loose hulls.
Store for up to 2-3 months at room temperature in a cool, dry place; if stored correctly, seeds can last some time. However, seeds will become crunchy after they have been dried out.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a popular snack. With a dehydrator, you can enjoy them all year long.
What Are Other Ways of Making Pumpkin Seeds
If you don’t own a food dehydrator, you can fry the seeds in a small amount of vegetable oil until they are browned and then leave them to cool. This involves a lot of prep time as you have to wait for them to soak, scrub them (remove the pulp), pat them dry with paper towels, and put them on racks in your oven.
The popular method of roasting pumpkin seeds is over an open flame or grill, but this can burn away all those nutritional benefits before you have even enjoyed a handful. A quick way to roast the seeds without losing nutrients is by popping them into your microwave first and then shaking or stirring every few seconds until there is evidence of golden browning. When they are still warm (but not so hot), spread/shake out onto baking sheets and leave to cool.
Whole pumpkin seeds can be used in various recipes and are enjoyed with the outer shell intact. They can be processed, dehydrated, and seasoned to make a delicious snack.
As well as being a great snack, pumpkin seeds can also be used in falafel or mixed with couscous. They are also good sprinkled on salads or into yogurt for that extra crunch.
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds In The Oven
Remove seeds from the pumpkin using an ice cream scooper or spoon and rinse them in a colander under cold running water. Spread seeds out on paper towels to drain excess liquid and then allow to air dry for ten minutes. Starting with dried pumpkin seeds enhances seasoning adhesion and crispiness.
Season the Seeds with olive oil, paprika, and some garlic powder.
Place parchment paper on two baking sheets and spread pumpkin seeds evenly between the two sheets. Separate the seeds as much as you can with your hands while they are still damp so that they don’t stick together.
Bake the seeds at 300 degrees F for 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Remove from oven and stir in 2 teaspoons of olive oil per sheet. Spread the seeds out again and return to the oven for 15 more minutes or until golden brown. Allow these to cool fully before storing them in an air-tight container or plastic bag.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Dehydrated pumpkin seeds can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance their flavor and texture. Some popular options include chili powder, curry powder, and smoked paprika, which add a savory kick to the seeds. For a sweet and savory flavor, try mixing maple syrup with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of cinnamon. To add crunch to your dehydrated pumpkin seeds, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds. These seasoning options not only elevate the taste but also provide a delightful texture, making your pumpkin seeds a versatile and tasty treat.
• Being an excellent source of plant protein • Having more iron than spinach and broccoli • A study found it can boost libido due to the high amount of zinc they contain • May help to prevent hormonal cancers like breast cancer in women • Filling you up for longer so that you eat less regularly
Full of Valuable Nutrients.
If you are interested in eating a diet that is full of variety and provides excellent nutritional value, try adding pumpkin seeds to your diet. Pumpkin seeds offer a good source of protein, but they also contain manganese, copper, zinc, and iron. By including pumpkin seeds in your daily routine, you will maintain strong bones while reducing the risk of heart disease.
Consuming dried pumpkin seeds can enhance nutrient absorption and make digestion easier, providing even more health benefits.
Pumpkin seeds are easily one of the best sources of healthy fats, which aid in average growth and development. The minerals that pumpkins seeds provide also play a key role in maintaining strong bones and limiting tooth decay. The pumpkin seed oil has even been found to help reduce cholesterol levels and arterial blockage while aiding digestion.
Pumpkin seeds provide the same benefits as animal-based proteins without any possible side effects such as acquiring cancer, cardiovascular disease, and damaging your kidneys.
High in Antioxidants
One of the significant benefits of eating these seeds is that they are high in antioxidants. Of course, you can get antioxidants from other foods, like certain fruits and vegetables. Still, pumpkin seeds contain more antioxidants than most.
Very High in Magnesium
If you take a look at the minerals that are found in pumpkin seeds, magnesium is present. Magnesium is an essential mineral as it helps create healthy bones and muscles. The best thing about this nutrient is that most people don’t get enough of it in their diets. Eating pumpkin seeds can help to fill that gap.
High in Fiber
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber, which is excellent for your digestive system because it helps you feel full. You can also use pumpkin seeds as a substitute for nuts if you’re following a low-fat diet.
Storing and Using Dehydrated Pumpkin Seeds
Dehydrated pumpkin seeds can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to maintain their freshness. To use, simply scoop out the desired amount and enjoy as a snack on their own or add to your favorite recipes. Dehydrated pumpkin seeds are a great addition to salads, trail mix, and homemade granola. Their long shelf life and versatility make them a convenient and nutritious option for various culinary creations.
Pumpkin seed recipes
There are many pumpkin seed recipes that you can try out. In addition, pumpkin seed recipes are easy and fun to mix up. So, if you prefer one recipe over another or want to try something different, then feel free to switch it up a bit.
Dried pumpkin seeds can be easily incorporated into various dishes, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Pumpkin seeds in smoothies
Did you know that pumpkin seeds make great additions to a green smoothie? This is because they are high in protein and a great source of nutrients.
Combine ingredients in a blender, then puree until smooth. Pour into glasses and drink immediately. This is a delicious green smoothie that is packed with nutrients and vitamins.
Pumpkin seeds as snacks
The best thing about having a delicious snack on hand in your pantry is that you can grab one during an unexpected hunger attack. So instead of reaching for refined sugar, try out pumpkin seeds.
How to Make a Pumpkin Seed Cookie in the Oven
It’s pumpkin season, and pumpkin seed cookies are a classic fall treat. It’s time to get your oven set for pumpkin spice! This recipe is simple enough that the whole family can help out. The best bit about this recipe is that you don’t need any special equipment or ingredients – just grab some pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin you carved last night at dinner, some flour, and sugar, and egg white, and some salt!.
Make sure to start with fresh pumpkin seeds and thoroughly wash them to remove any pulp before use.
To make this pumpkin seed cookie recipe, you will need the following:
• 3 cups of whole wheat flour
• Half cup brown sugar
• Two teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds scooped from the pumpkin (make sure to wash and rinse off the pumpkin seeds with running water and let them dry)
• One egg white
Tips and Variations
To dry pumpkin seeds in the oven, preheat to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 150°F). Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet and dry for 3-4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
For a crispy texture, try dehydrating pumpkin seeds at a higher temperature (around 200°F) for a shorter amount of time (around 1-2 hours).
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavor combinations. Some ideas include garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Dehydrated pumpkin seeds make a great addition to homemade energy balls or protein bars. Simply mix with other ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and roll into bite-sized balls.
By following these tips and variations, you can customize your dehydrated pumpkin seeds to suit your taste preferences and enjoy them in a variety of ways.
Method:
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Combine pumpkin seeds, sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a large bowl. Add salt and egg white; stir until combined. The mix will be very crumbly at this point but don’t worry! You can use raw pumpkin seeds and experiment with various spices to enhance their natural taste before baking.
– Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out small spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets about one inch apart from each other. Press down on top of balls to form cookies – you can make them as flat as you want; they’ll just take longer to bake that way!
– Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the pumpkin seed cookie over carefully so it doesn’t break too much while cooking the second side for another 15 minutes; they should turn a nice golden brown color when it’s done!
– Once pumpkin seed cookies are done, let cool on baking sheets for about five minutes, then transfer to wire rack or paper towel-lined plate and enjoy!
These pumpkin seed cookies are delicious, especially when served warm with ice-cold milk after dinner!
Where to Buy a Dehydrator
If you want to buy a dehydrator, then try out amazon.com or even your local store.
How Much Does A Dehydrator Cost?
A good dehydrator can cost over $200, but most are around the $25-$80 mark. It is worthwhile buying a good one, especially if you do it often. A cheap version won’t be very efficient, and your food will take longer to dehydrate. Here is our list of the best dehydrators in 2021. I suggest buying them on Amazon, as they sometimes come with Prime shipping!
Enjoy this recipe
This Dehydrating Pumpkin Seeds Recipe makes around 1 cup of dehydrated pumpkin seeds and is easy to follow. The best thing about making these at home is you can control exactly what goes into them as well as the flavor!
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