How Long Can Raw Pumpkin Seeds Be Stored?

October is the best time of year—filled with spooky films, haunted attractions, and of course, festive food! But one of the things I look forward to most is visiting the pumpkin patch. There's something special about picking out pumpkins with friends and family and carving them together. I’ll always remember the times my brother and I sat at Nana’s kitchen table, scooping out pumpkin guts and joking about how disgusting it was. But before tossing them, our mom always made sure we saved the pumpkin seeds for roasting. It got me wondering, though—how long can those seeds last before we need to throw them out?

How Long Can Unroasted Pumpkin Seeds Stay Fresh?

I learned the hard way that raw pumpkin seeds spoil faster than you think: Back in college, I carved Jack-o’-Lanterns with my roommates and was determined to roast the seeds. But life got busy, and a few days later, I found they had molded and were completely ruined. If you're planning to wait a few days before roasting your pumpkin seeds, the ideal window is about 2 to 3 days.

How to Properly Store Raw Pumpkin Seeds

To keep your pumpkin seeds fresh before roasting, make sure to wash off any pulp and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them, but remember to dry them thoroughly before sealing them up for storage.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds to Perfection

Now that you’ve learned how to store your seeds properly, it's time to roast them! The real fun begins with experimenting with different seasonings, but here's a simple method to get you started:

• Toss the clean, dry seeds in butter (or oil) and seasonings.
• Arrange the sheets on a baking sheet.
• Bake until golden brown.