Thursday, July 30, 2009

Dehydrate Pumpkin Seeds

Dehydrated pumpkin seeds date back to the Native Americans, who used them for healing and health benefits. Pumpkin seeds contain amino acids, high levels of zinc, and they promote a healthy prostate in men. Before throwing away the pulp and seeds of your freshly carved jack-o'-lantern, try dehydrating the pumpkin seeds to roast and eat as a snack.


Instructions


Using a Dehydrator


1. Scoop the seeds from the pumpkin, and place them in a cauldron.


2. Rinse the seeds to remove any pulp and residue. Place the pumpkin seeds on a paper towel to let them dry.


3. Place the pumpkin seeds in a food dehydrator. Set the food dehydrator temperature to 115 to 120 degrees.


4. Dry the pumpkin seeds for one to two hours in the food dehydrator.


5. Remove the pumpkin seeds from the dehydrator, and place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.


Roasting Them


6. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.


7. Add 2 cups of pumpkin seeds to a mixing bowl.








8. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave, and pour the butter over the pumpkin seeds.


9. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the melted butter and pumpkin seeds. Toss the seeds until the butter and salt covers them.


10. Spread the seeds in a baking pan. Roast the pumpkin seeds for 30 minutes, or until they are brown and crisp. Store the seeds in an airtight container or sealed plastic zip-top bag.

Tags: pumpkin seeds, food dehydrator, airtight container, Place pumpkin, Place pumpkin seeds, place them, pumpkin seeds