Peel the pumpkin seeds - this is how you crack the hard shell

Peel the pumpkin seeds - this is how you crack the hard shell

Clean fresh seeds first

A big pumpkin gives a lot of seeds. They are so delicious and healthy that they make an ideal snack. The small, crunchy kernels are also popular in dishes and salads. But before the shell can be cracked and the inside removed, there is still some work to be done.

  • Cut open the pumpkin and remove the seeds
  • Roughly remove any adhering pulp
  • Put pumpkin seeds in a colander and wash thoroughly
  • remove the last remains of the pulp

also read

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Break open the bowl with the rolling pin

Let the kernels, which are still wet from washing, dry a little first, otherwise they will be slippery and slip away under the rolling pin.

  1. Spread the pumpkin seeds out in a single layer on a sheet of baking paper.
  2. Roll a rolling pin over the pumpkin seeds several times while applying gentle pressure. Do not roll the kernels flat!
  3. Check whether all the shells have cracked open and correct them if necessary.
  4. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the pumpkin seeds.
  5. Close the pot with a lid and let the pumpkin seeds simmer for about half an hour. The kernels will separate from the shell and sink to the bottom. The light shells, however, remain on the surface of the water.
  6. Use a slotted spoon to remove all of the shells.
  7. Pour the contents of the pot through a sieve to catch the seeds.
  8. First, rinse the kernels with cold water and let them drain briefly.
  9. Spread the seeds on baking paper, where they can dry in peace. Paper towels are not suitable as the kernels can stick to them.

Do not be surprised that the freed kernels are white in color. When cooking, not only did the hard outer shells come off, but also the green coats.

Peel the kernels with teeth

If you only want to enjoy a few pumpkin seeds at a time or if you have already bought roasted seeds in stores, the cooking method is less suitable. Experienced eaters simply remove the peel with their teeth just before eating.

  1. Take a pumpkin seed upright in your hand, with the narrow, pointed side facing you.
  2. Take the pointed end between your front teeth and bite gently until the shell bursts open.
  3. You can pull the now easily accessible core out of the open shell with your tongue. If this is still difficult for you, you can also help with your hand in the first phase of the exercise.

Tips and tricks with scissors

Those who do not have mastered the tens method or do not like to use it can instead use the scissors to break open the shell.

  • Cut the peel a few millimeters with the scissors
  • Make the cut at the thickest point
  • Break open the shell completely with your fingers or nails
  • Take out the core and eat

Conclusion for quick readers:

  • Fresh seeds: take from the pumpkin fruit; remove coarse pulp remains
  • Cleaning: Put the seeds in a sieve; wash thoroughly under running water
  • Step 1: Spread out the dried seeds in a single layer on baking paper
  • Step 2: roll over it several times with a rolling pin; apply gentle pressure; Shells burst
  • Step 3: put the seeds in boiling water; Cover and simmer for 30 minutes
  • Step 4: Remove the floating shells with a slotted spoon
  • Step 5: Pour the seeds through a sieve; Rinse with cold water
  • Step 6: Spread the pumpkin seeds on baking paper and let them dry
  • Teeth method: take the pumpkin seed upright between the front teeth; to bite carefully;
  • Scissors: cut into the thickest part of the shell millimeter deep; Free the core with nails

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