How to properly dry pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are distinguished by their incredible taste characteristics and specific texture. In terms of the way they are used in the same way as sunflower seeds, but the benefits of such a product are much more. The advantage is that they are found to have a high concentration of iron, which reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. There are many options for drying pumpkin kernels, but there are some important things to consider.

Composition of pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are characterized by a rich chemical composition. They are saturated with zinc. This substance is very useful for men's health. In addition, the product contains oleic acid (or omega-9). This component is necessary for cleansing blood vessels, improving lymphatic outflow, preventing varicose veins and atherosclerosis.

The seeds also contain vitamin E, which refers to natural antioxidants. Retinol, folic acid, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin K were found in them.

As for the mineral composition, it is probably difficult to say which substances are absent from the seeds. They contain almost the entire Mendeleev's table. The most valuable elements found in this delicacy are sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc. In addition, there is iodine, selenium and molybdenum.

A special place is given to saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Of great benefit is the protein in pumpkin seeds. By the way, there is more of it compared to meat, seafood, dairy products and eggs.

What pumpkin to choose for drying seeds

For the preparation of such a product is suitable grown with their own hands or wild pumpkin. These varieties do not differ much in taste, except that the domestic pumpkin may have larger seeds.

First, you should examine the pumpkin, inspect it for rot and other defects. After that, all that remains is to cut the vegetable and extract the insides, where the seeds are stored.

How to extract the seeds from a pumpkin

After selecting a suitable pumpkin and a detailed inspection, you can begin processing.

1. First, cut off the top of the fruit so that the pulp is visible. It is tightly intertwined with the seeds. Therefore, at this stage of preparation of raw material, it is very important to do everything neatly, separate the kernels from the fibers, trying not to deform them. Otherwise they will not be able to be used for further drying, no matter what method is chosen for this purpose. It is also recommended to use a sharp knife with a thin blade.
2. Next, extract the insides of the fruit with a spoon or do everything with your hands. The main thing is not to damage the grains, as they will be cracked and overdried in the heat treatment. You should not use such a product in food.
3. After removing the seeds from the pumpkin, place them in a colander and start rinsing. At the same time, direct a stream of cool water on the seeds and stir them with your hands. Initially they are slippery and viscous. Already in 3-4 rinses the seeds will be ready for further procedures.
4. Now wrap the prepared pumpkin components in a napkin to dry them. It is recommended to press them gently, without damaging them.
5. After the excess liquid drains off, take a tray, lay the billets in a single row and hold them in the sun for 2-3 hours, so that a certain amount of moisture evaporates from the kernels.

How to dry pumpkin seeds at home

Seeds for drying are extracted only from a ripe vegetable. Empty and uneven specimens are not suitable for heat treatment.

Natural drying should be done in a well-ventilated room.

Store such a delicacy in a glassware or in a cloth bag made of natural raw materials. To preserve all the healing properties of the product, the room should be cool and protected from light. You can use them in food for 12 months.

In a pan

The peculiarity of cooking pumpkin seeds in this way is that the process is frying with the use of spices. This makes it possible to get a crispy, spicy delicacy as a result.

1. Rinsed and pre-dried in the sun for 2-3 hours, it is recommended to cover the seeds with salt. Next, pour some oil into a small bowl, pour out the seeds and stir them with a spoon. When each seed is soaked, add ground black pepper, dried spices, for example, garlic or dill. Instead of vegetable oil, you can add butter by initially melting it. In this case, it is recommended to make the product sweet by adding cinnamon, nutmeg or powdered sugar.
2. After treating the seeds with oil and spices, heat a frying pan, adding to it a spoonful of the oil used earlier.
3. Now send the seeds in the hot oil. It is important to put them in a single row. Next, reduce the heat to minimum and continue frying for 25 minutes without using the lid.
4. Constantly stir the grains with a wooden spatula, to prevent them from sticking. The readiness of this treat can be judged by the golden coating. Ready seeds put on a paper towel to cool completely.

In the oven

If an oven is used for cooking pumpkin seeds, in this case there are two methods of drying them.

1. The first is to set the appliance to "Roasting" mode. In this case, only the upper part of the technique is heated. Preheat the device to 150 degrees.
2. Next, place the pre-washed grains on a baking tray in a single row. Cover the form with pastry paper. Now send the seeds to the oven. Drying usually lasts for a quarter of an hour. However, it is necessary to take into account the power and other technical properties of a particular oven. Therefore, it is recommended to constantly monitor the readiness of the product, periodically opening the door of the device.
3. When the seeds turn brown, take the tray out of the device and stir it. After that, turn off the fire and send the treat in a hot oven for another 15 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the dried pumpkin kernels with fine salt and cool at room temperature. The kernels can be included in a salad, as well as used as an independent product.

The second method of drying seeds is suitable for those who have a household appliance heats evenly, that is, there is no function to regulate the top or bottom wall. In this case, the device should be heated to 200 degrees, a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper and put the salted seeds on it in the same way, in one layer.

The dish with grains send to the heated oven, and then reduce the heat. In these conditions, dry the seeds for no more than 35 minutes. Every 10 minutes you should stir the components, so that they get a uniform golden color.

After the specified time, you should turn off the oven and check the pumpkin seeds. If they are not hard enough, you should not take them out of the device. It is recommended to leave them here for another 20 minutes. Only after that you can cool the product and enjoy its taste.

In an electric dryer

To dry the seeds of the pumpkin fruit, you can also use an electric dryer. In principle, the process of preparing such a product is similar to cooking in the oven. However, there are some points that must necessarily be taken into account.

You need to know that the products must be distributed in a single layer in the mold. Then the device is heated to 70-80 degrees. It will take several hours to cook such a treat. Since each electric dryer has its own peculiarities, it is quite difficult to name the exact time. In the process of heat treatment, the grains should be stirred periodically. Readiness can be judged by the presence of dark coloring on the surface of each seed. In addition, the grains should be hard and dry.

In the microwave.

It will help to dry pumpkin seeds and the microwave oven.

1. The preparation process begins with washing the seeds, then send them to a baking tray, lined with a paper napkin. In this form, they should lie for some time in the sun to evaporate excess moisture.
2. Next, cover the microwave turntable with paper towels and place the pumpkin seeds in an even layer on it. Now send the dish to the device and turn on the maximum power. Two minutes is enough for cooking the grains.
3. At the end of the time, stir the seeds, and then spread them evenly on the plate again. Microwave for a few more minutes, but the power is set to medium.
4. After that, repeat the procedure once again. Depending on the result, you can carry out this procedure again or just leave the product to cool.

Properly dried seeds are distinguished by hardness and the presence of darkened shells. It remains only to clean them from the shell, and apply them as a snack or an additional ingredient to a salad, garnish.

In an air grill

Drying the seeds of this vegetable with such a device began to be carried out relatively recently, as it is usually used to make other dishes. However, with a special tray, you can easily dry the seeds in an air grill.

After the thorough rinsing and initial drying described above, you should spread them out on the surface of the existing part in a thin layer. On the device you need to set the temperature to 60 degrees, and the time - 20-30 minutes.

It is important to take into account that the air grill provides for the functioning of the fan, which increases the power of the thermal impact on this component. For this reason, it is necessary to constantly check the readiness of the seeds and ensure that they are not burned.

Ready seed has a brownish color. Such seeds can be used to create various dishes or eaten as an independent delicacy.

In the sun

Pumpkin seeds can also be dried naturally, but in this case you need to have a lot of free time. It is not recommended to carry out such a procedure in hot weather, in order to exclude the seeds from getting moldy.

1. After extracting the seeds from the vegetable, rinse them thoroughly and salt them. To do this, pour boiling water into a deep bowl and pour salt into it, at the rate of 10 g per 70 ml of water. Then, place the seeds in the resulting solution for 15-20 hours. This step is not necessary to perform, if the result is supposed to be an unleavened product with a pristine taste.
2. After this period, take the seeds out of the brine, rinse them under a stream of clean water. Next, dry them. Cover a tray or a kind of tray with foil or paper towel, and then spread the seeds in a single row. In this form they should lie in the sun for several days.

To determine whether the product is ready for use in food, it is enough to examine the shell of the pumpkin seeds. Finally dried specimens should be hard and brittle. If the product is cooked correctly, the shell will crack easily. It is important to check them also "on the tooth", if it is found that the grains are not dried enough, they should be sent for drying for another day.

How to tell if the product is ready

The degree of readiness of a treat dried by one of the methods described above is very easy to determine. The seeds should have a yellowish-brown color. The skin becomes brittle, so it's very easy to remove it and take out the kernel.

The seed itself is somewhat reduced in size and its contours become clearer. It has a distinct green color. In addition, in the kernel, which is used in food, there are thin veins of white. The structure of pumpkin seeds dried with regard to all technological stages should be soft and velvety. The taste should be mild.

How to properly store dried pumpkin seeds

After drying, pumpkin seeds need to be taken out of the device and poured on a cold surface. You can simply place them on a table lined with parchment in advance. After the grains have cooled completely, you can prepare the product for storage.

It is important to take into account that the place should be dry and protected from light. The utensil, which will be used for storage, should be made of glass. It is allowed to use a ceramic container.

You should not peel dried pumpkin seeds, because peeled grains sprinkled with spices and spices do not retain their flavor and useful properties. The peeled product should be used up immediately, because otherwise the preparation will be subject to oxidation and can go mouldy.

The duration of preservation of pumpkin seeds is quite short, usually not longer than 10 days. After the specified period, the delicacy begins to become soggy, ceases to be crispy and no longer has a specific aftertaste.

You can send for storage only dried products, on which there is no moisture left, otherwise mold will start to appear on them. If the seeds were cooked in a frying pan or using an oven in the "Roast" mode, they should be eaten immediately, they are not suitable for long-term storage.

You can keep these seeds in a sack made of cotton cloth. Replace it with a gauze cloth, which should be folded several times. The bag obtained should be hung on a rope and placed in a dry room with good ventilation.

You can also store the seeds in a plastic container or glass dish, but with a tight lid. The main thing in this case - to exclude moisture.

What are the benefits of dried pumpkin seeds

General benefits

Pumpkin seeds are a valuable product with a rich chemical composition. Such a product can be used in medicine, in the sphere of dietary nutrition, in cooking, as well as in the field of cosmetology. It is useful for people of all ages and genders. The product is valuable due to the presence of a large number of amino acids, vitamins, proteins, fats, minerals. It seems that such a list of valuable components can only benefit the body. But whether this is true, it is necessary to understand.

As mentioned earlier, the pumpkin seed contains vitamins C, E, zinc and selenium. The complex of these compounds has a pronounced immunostimulatory effect. This helps to protect people from the effects of various viral infections. Moreover, it is these components of the product increase human performance, as well as improve sleep.

Phenolic compounds in the composition of the plant component are characterized by bactericidal action. They are able to destroy a lot of infections, fungus and viruses that often attack the human body. In combination with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, the seeds of this vegetable help speed up the healing process.

Few people probably know that pumpkin seeds stimulate the production of serotonin. Since this fruit is characterized by the presence in its composition of such an amino acid as tryptophan, when interacting with oxygen it forms the hormone of joy. And serotonin is known to adjust the psycho-emotional state after stress, improves mood. In the evening, this substance is converted into melatonin, which, in turn, is responsible for stabilizing the nervous system and provides a good night's sleep.

It is impossible not to note the role of pumpkin seeds in the work of the SCS. They have in their composition magnesium and potassium. These substances contribute to the expansion of blood vessels and protect them from blockages. Along with this, the normal heart rate and blood pressure are restored, spasms are eliminated and blood clots are prevented. Regular use of grains protects against stroke, myocardial infarction, and also cleanses the blood.

Another amino acid, cucurbitin, was found in pumpkin seeds. It is characterized by antiparasitic action. Consequently, when constantly consumed, the product is able to destroy worm eggs. Experts recommend including it in the diet of people of all age categories, in order to carry out the prevention of parasite infection.

Zinc and phosphorus contained in the pumpkin seed have a strengthening effect on the joints and bone tissue. These minerals ensure the rapid absorption of calcium, which has a positive effect on the health of children and the elderly. Frequent introduction of this product to the diet of a person prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis, osteochondrosis and other diseases associated with the spine. It should also be noted that the seeds contain many oils, which are processed and used for therapeutic purposes in the fight against arthritis.

B-group vitamin complex and omega-3 acids keep the tone of the emotional state and nervous system. These ingredients can quickly restore the psyche after stress, as well as ease the course of neurosis.

A special place for the component in the diet of people with diabetes. If you include pumpkin seeds in the menu of a diabetic every day, the patient's blood glucose levels will be normalized. This will lead to the fact that it will begin to produce its own insulin. For this purpose, it is enough to eat 30 g of seeds daily.

People who do not tolerate travel by various means of transport are recommended to eat pumpkin seeds. They are indispensable for motion sickness, vomiting and nausea. This same property is valued by pregnant girls, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, when they are most often plagued by toxicosis.

Few people know that such a treat is able to remove excess fluid from the body, improving kidney and liver function. The seeds are suitable as a preventive measure to prevent the development of urolithiasis. This is provided due to the fact that the product does not allow calcium oxalate to accumulate in the urine.

Seeds also contain fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. This component allows you to speed up your metabolism, ensuring rapid digestion of food. As a result of regular consumption of pumpkin seeds a person has a better stool, eliminates bloating, and prevents the development of other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Zinc in the composition of such products affects the cognitive functions of the human body. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds daily rate provides acceleration of brain function, improves visual perception and memory. In addition, this substance is effective in combating chronic fatigue and constant lack of sleep.

Very often on the basis of peeled seeds of this vegetable are made medicines for the treatment of burns on the skin and to eliminate abrasions. To do this, you only need to crush the seeds, and then apply the resulting mass to the damaged area of the skin and soak for 30 minutes. Such a recipe of folk medicine can accelerate the process of regeneration in the tissues. In this case, the skin cells are saturated with oxygen.

Over time, various toxic substances, salts of heavy metals accumulate in the human body. Pumpkin seeds help to eliminate these harmful compounds, preventing the development of cancer. By the way, the zinc found here, helps to cleanse the liver and improve its performance. Moreover, it reduces the craving for alcoholic beverages.

Calcium in this raw material is responsible for the processes inside the cell, it participates in the formation of teeth, accelerates the process of blood clotting, ensures the rapid contraction of muscles. It is also a mineral that acts as a prophylactic in cases of prostatitis and low immunity.

For women

1. The constant inclusion of this product in the diet of women helps to normalize the menstrual cycle and restore the hormonal background. Pumpkin has many phytoestrogens, which stimulate the synthesis of hormones. If you consume the seeds of this fruit every day, a girl will never face menstrual disorders, and a woman will protect herself from the unpleasant manifestations of menopause.
2. To some extent, pumpkin seeds eliminate infertility and increase the chances of conceiving a child.
3. Also, the grains contain antioxidant substances, which clean the body from various toxins, preventing clogging of pores. These components protect the dermis from premature aging, as well as helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Cosmetologists advise including such a treat in your daily menu. Due to the fatty acids found in pumpkin seed, the health of the skin, curls and nail plates is maintained. These grains protect ladies from the appearance of dandruff, provide whitening of nails, as well as help to clear sebaceous plugs.
5. If you are prone to acne, it is recommended to eat 40 grams of pumpkin seeds once every 2 days. Such a simple way will prevent the formation of pustules and other rashes on the dermis. This is achieved by improving the metabolic processes in the body.
6. Particularly popular is this raw material among girls who watch their weight. This is due to the fact that the seeds contribute to the rapid absorption by the body of various useful substances, which for a long time allows you to maintain a sense of satiety, and excellent quench the feeling of hunger. However, weight loss is observed only if the seeds are consumed in small quantities.

For men

The body of the stronger sex needs zinc more than the weaker sex. The lack of this component provokes an increase in the prostate gland, which subsequently leads to the development of prostate adenoma. Often with such a problem faced by men over 50 years. To prevent the development of this disease, to stop its first manifestations or to overcome already existing problems, it is necessary to eat about 45 grams of pumpkin seeds a day.

It should be taken into account that this product helps to relieve pain when it is difficult to urinate. In addition, the seeds help reduce the risk of developing diseases of the male genital system, including infertility.

The harm of pumpkin seeds

Useful grains of this vegetable, as well as any other product, are only when the norms regarding the daily dosage are observed. Otherwise, due to the high caloric content, weight gain cannot be avoided.

1. It is possible to develop an individual intolerance, because the product is considered to be multicomponent.
2. Often a large amount of eaten delicacy on an empty stomach leads to a disturbance of the digestive process. This results in bloating, diarrhea or constipation. To eliminate these unpleasant symptoms, you can drink some water.
3. If you have gastrointestinal diseases, you should limit the consumption of pumpkin seeds. This is due to the fact that they contain salicylic acid, which has an irritating effect on the mucosa of the epigastrium.
4. You should be cautious about eating sunflower seeds while breastfeeding. Otherwise it can lead to the development of intolerance in the baby.

A contraindication is also a violation of intestinal patency. If you neglect this, the condition of the person will only worsen.