Most times in the fall when pumpkins are harvested for pies, bread or for Halloween decorations, the seeds are routinely discarded. However, knowing the many different methods of cooking pumpkin seeds can provide a healthy snack. One of the simplest methods used for cooking pumpkin seeds is to place them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven with a little bit of salt, but there are other ways to create a tasty treat.

Considering the pumpkin seeds can be toasted, roasted, boiled or baked cooking pumpkin seeds can also be a fun experience for the kids. Depending on the type of flavor used when they are cooked, they can also be plain, hot or mild. Some of the suggestions for cooking pumpkin seeds include using cayenne pepper or some other form of spice to add a real kick to the finished snack.

Before embarking on a plan for cooking pumpkin seeds, there are some guidelines to use, regardless of how you plan to prepare the seeds for eating. All of the pulp left over from extracting them from the pumpkin has to be removed and the seeds should be thoroughly rinsed and dried. Once rinsed with plain water, they can be spread out on paper towels and allowed to dry for several hours, usually overnight.

If you plan on cooking pumpkin seeds in the oven, once the seeds are dry that can be sprayed with cooking oil or placed in a sealed plastic food storage bag with a one teaspoon of melted butter or olive oil for every two cups of seeds. Shake the bag until the liquid is evenly spread on the seeds and then spread them out on a cookie sheet covered with non-stick aluminum foil.

Sprinkle the spice of your choice on the seeds and place in the oven at 250-degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, until the seeds begin to turn light brown. It is important when cooking pumpkin seeds not to allow them to burn. Once they are done, they can be kept in a sealed bag for about a week but like many baked snack product they will go stale after a few days if left opened.

The same preparation can be used with other method for cooking pumpkin seeds and those who do not like the taste, can place them in the oven, without all the cleaning and baked for 10 or 15 minutes for a treat for the birds.