You’ve scooped out your Jack-o-lantern, and now you’re left with a pile of seeds. Don’t throw them away – we show you how to turn them into a nutritious snack. OK, it takes a little time and patience, but rope in your little witches and warlocks and you'll keep them occupied for ages - promise!
So, you’ve scooped out your Jack-o-lantern, and now you’re left with a pile of seeds. Don’t throw them away – if you have a little time and patience, they can be easily turned into a nutritious and tasty snack.
To separate the seeds from the fibres, soak the pulp in cold water for around an hour, then scoop out the seeds using a slotted spoon. Dry, then spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. There are lots of ways of flavouring them – you can sprinkle with salt (table, celery or garlic work equally well), or toss in oil or melted butter and spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or chilli powder. Then roast in a moderate oven for about half an hour until golden – keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
There is some debate as to whether it’s necessary to hull the seeds. Well, we say try one or two and if it’s like chewing on a broomstick, you need to hull them! It very much depends on the pumpkin – some, such as the medium-sized Baby Bear, have seeds that are almost hull-less. Hulling is quite fiddly so let visiting ghosts and ghouls hull their own and they’ll be quiet for ages. Happy Halloween!
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