Q&A for How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Yes, you can! If you don’t feel like shelling the seeds yourself, you can buy pre-shelled seeds at many grocery stores. Toss the seeds in olive oil and the seasonings of your choice, then spread them out on some parchment paper in a baking sheet and roast them for 10-15 minutes at 325° F (163° C).

Soaking the seeds is optional, but some people recommend doing it because it makes the seeds easier to digest and helps them crisp up in the oven. Soak the seeds for 8 hours or overnight in saltwater, then drain them and pat them dry before you roast them.

No.

Yes. Spray a little bit of water on to hold seasonings and bake.

You decide. Season to flavor.

Pumpkin seeds are a healthy and delicious snack. They are filled with vitamins and some believe they can help with weight loss. Roasting them make them more tasty, especially with a dash of salt.

It gives the pumpkin seeds more flavor.

No.

Only if you don't soak or roast them soon after you collect them. Refrigeration will retard the growth of bacteria.

Whatever you want. Refrigeration can keep bacteria from growing, and help make them taste better.

An airtight container such as Tupperware should work great, but plastic bags can work too.

If you want to flavor your pumpkin seeds and don't want them bland, it is necessary to do so.

Removing the shell isn't necessary, but if you like it shelled, then go for it.

It's not necessary, but if you don't want the tough texture of the pumpkin shells, then remove the shells. It's more about your preference.

Trial and error. If you're unsure, try out your seasoning on a small batch, so you don't ruin all your seeds if you don't like the taste.

It won't really make much of a difference, after baking they will dry. It will take up space on the tray though, so you should remove them.

You can either roast at 350 degrees (180ºC) for 20-30 minutes, or put them under the broiler, making sure to watch carefully as temperatures can exceed 500 degrees.

Either way is fine, it just depends on your taste buds. Remember that although a delicious choice, pumpkin seeds also contain very high amounts of sodium.