A lot of individuals count pumpkin seeds as one of their favorite snacks.
They are incredibly versatile and can be used as a snack or a topping on your favorite dish.
You may have heard that pumpkin seeds only go bad after the expiration date, but it’s not true.
In this article, we will look at how long do pumpkin seeds last, what exactly happens when they expire, and whether or not they should be refrigerated.
How long do pumpkin seeds last?
Pumpkin seeds can last for up to a year, depending on the storage method.
If you buy them from the grocery store, they will typically expire within six months.
However, if you purchase them directly from the farm where they were grown, then they are likely to last for several years.
The main reason why pumpkin seeds don’t last very long is because they are high in moisture.
When left at room temperature, pumpkin seeds absorb water and begin to rot.
This is why they need to be stored in an airtight container.
Do pumpkin seeds need to be refrigerated?
This is another common myth about pumpkin seeds—that they must be refrigerated to keep them fresh.
In reality, storing pumpkin seeds in the fridge won’t extend their shelf-life at all.
On the contrary, doing so will make them go rancid much faster.
Can pumpkin seeds go bad?
Yes, pumpkin seeds can go bad.
The problem with pumpkin seeds is that they are extremely perishable.
Once they start going bad, they will become moldy and rancid, which means that they no longer contain any nutrients.
That said, pumpkin seeds usually last between three to six months if stored correctly.
A few tips to prolong the shelf life of pumpkin seeds include:
Wash the pumpkin seeds thoroughly before placing them into storage containers.
Store them in an airtight container.
Don’t place them in direct sunlight.
Keep them away from humidity and other sources of moisture.
As mentioned earlier, pumpkin seeds are high in moisture, which makes them especially prone to spoilage.
As such, they do best when kept in a dry environment.
The ideal temperature for storing pumpkin seeds is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), which is why they should ideally be kept in the refrigerator.
But even if pumpkin seeds are kept at room temperature, they still have a shelf life of up to six months.
What do pumpkin seeds taste like?
Most people think of pumpkin seeds as being bland and boring.
However, they actually have a lot of flavor.
To get more information about what pumpkin seeds taste like, check out our guide to pumpkin seeds.
How do you store pumpkin seeds?
To store pumpkin seeds, you should first rinse them with cold water.
Then, put them in an airtight container that has been labeled “pumpkin seeds.”
Make sure to label the container clearly, since they tend to disappear quickly.
How do you eat pumpkin seeds?
You can either roast them, grind them into flour, or add them to salads and soups.
Some people even eat them raw, although this is not recommended.
Raw pumpkin seeds can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, so it is best to consume them cooked.
What are the benefits of eating pumpkin seeds?
There are numerous health benefits associated with eating pumpkin seeds.
One of the most important ones is that they are rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, and vitamin E.
They also contain antioxidants, which help protect against cancer and heart disease.
Are pumpkin seeds good for you?
According to some studies, pumpkin seeds are beneficial to your overall health.
For example, eating pumpkin seeds could reduce your risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
How many calories are in pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are low in calories and fat, but they are high in protein.
A single serving contains about 16 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of carbohydrates.
The average adult needs about 60 grams of protein each day, so pumpkin seeds provide just enough of it.
You can use pumpkin to make pumpkin ice cream.
What is the nutritional value of pumpkin seeds?
Here are some details about the nutrient content of pumpkin seeds:
Protein: About 40%
Fiber: 3%
Calcium: 1%
Vitamin B6: 0.1%
Iron: 0.5%
Potassium: 2%
Magnesium: 5%
Zinc: 1%
Phosphorus: 2%
Selenium: 0.05%
Carotene: 0.3 mg
Lutein: 0.4 mg
Lycopene: 0.1 mg
Retinol: 0.1 mcg
These figures are based on a 100 gram serving of pumpkin seeds.
If you want to know how many calories you should eat every day, then check out this calculator.
Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Start by prepping your ingredients. You’ll need 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Mix the pumpkin puree, milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the mixture, frequently stirring, until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve the ice cream topped with your favorite toppings. We love whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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