Do Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?: Vegetables like pumpkins are adaptable and may be used in a variety of dishes. We value pumpkins for more than just their delicious inside and entertaining outside. The seeds make a really tasty and nutritious on-the-go snack. However, we want to enjoy our delicious pumpkin seeds without worrying about whether they will spoil.
- Can Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?
- How Long Do Pumpkin Seeds Last?
- What To Look For When Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?
- How To Store Pumpkin Seeds?
- What Happens If You Consume Expired Pumpkin Seeds?
- Can you freeze pumpkin seeds?
- What happens if you eat expired pumpkin seeds?
- How can you store pumpkin seeds?
Can Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?
Unfortunately yes, mold infestation often affects pumpkin seeds. Consequently, finding mold stains on your pumpkin seeds is frequent. Your pumpkin seeds are bad if they have changed color. You may also smell your pumpkin seeds to check if they’ve gone bad.
For instance, pumpkin seeds may get rancid yet still appear to be OK. These seeds will taste flavorless and have a terrible odor. Since they no longer taste good in this situation, you must throw them away since it is always safer to be safe with edible seeds.
How Long Do Pumpkin Seeds Last?
Most of the time the pumpkin seed packages do not come with a best-before date. It may be difficult to predict how long your pumpkin seeds will last, and pumpkin seeds are no exception. They won’t expire in a week or two, but they won’t be safe to eat indefinitely. How you store your pumpkin seeds will largely determine how long they will survive.
When maintained in a sealed container, pumpkin seeds frequently maintain their freshness for up to three months. It is recommended to eat all of your pumpkin seeds within two months after storing them in your pantry. If you keep your pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator, they should stay fresh for at least six months. Upon freezing, the pumpkin seeds will stay good for over a year.
Typically, pumpkin seeds may stay fresh for up to three months when kept in a sealed container. To keep them in your cupboard, it is advised that you consume all of your pumpkin seeds within two months. Pumpkin seeds should survive at least six months if stored in the refrigerator. Your pumpkin seeds will be alright if you freeze them for more than a year.
Have a glance at our article How Long Does Pumpkin Puree Last to understand about its shelf life, and tips to extend the shelf life of it all in detail.
What To Look For When Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?
Like with most foods, the way the meal smells, looks, and feels may tell us a lot about it. The taste of food can determine if it has gone bad or not, even though we shouldn’t sample anything that we think may have gone bad.
Odor: When pumpkin seeds are past their prime, they may have an odd scent or even stink. Before eating pumpkin seeds, always give them a good sniff. If they are still fresh, it is the simplest method to determine that. Never consume pumpkin seeds that have an off-putting odor.
Appearance: The discolored seeds of pumpkin should also be avoided. You can see mold stains on your pumpkin seeds after some time, especially if you live in a humid climate and keep them in a location where they get daily sunshine. This is because pumpkin seeds are infamous for harboring mold. Pumpkin seeds with spots, discoloration, or dullness should not be eaten.
Touch: You can frequently determine whether your pumpkin seeds have spoiled simply by touching them. You should throw out pumpkin seeds right away if they have a slimy, grippy, or hairy texture. Pumpkin seeds with bad odors may also taste oily or grassy.
Flavor: After their expiration date, pumpkin seeds may lose their flavor. Avoid eating pumpkin seeds that have an unpleasant or sour flavor. If you consume a strange-tasting pumpkin seed, spit it out and discard the remaining seeds in the batch. If you have livestock, you may crush the remaining seeds and feed them to your animals. As an alternative, you may ground them up and use them to help your compost.
How To Store Pumpkin Seeds?
Keep your pumpkin seeds in the freezer for the best storage results. This makes for a longer shelf life and preserves the flavor of your pumpkin seeds. You may need to make plans to allow for the defrosting of your pumpkin seeds, even if it isn’t usually the most practical way to keep them. As a last option, you may also keep them in your pantry and refrigerator.
Freezer
The best method for preserving pumpkin seeds and ensuring their continued freshness is to freeze them. If you don’t think you’ll eat all of your pumpkin seeds right away, split off a few for eating and freeze the rest until you need them.
You’ll be surprised to learn that even after months in the freezer, your pumpkin seeds still taste fresh and delicious. Pumpkin seeds store remarkably well. Your pumpkin seeds may be kept in the freezer for up to and beyond a year if you use an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
Refrigerator
Keep your pumpkin seeds in the refrigerator if you intend to consume them too often to freeze them. Your pumpkin seeds should ideally be stored in an airtight container with little ventilation.
In order to maximize the amount of air in the container and extend the amount of time that your pumpkin seeds stay fresh, it is ideal to store your pumpkin seeds in a vacuum-sealed airtight container
Pantry
Since not everyone likes eating cold seeds, the pantry is sometimes the only choice. Although they will last less time in the pantry than in the freezer and refrigerator, pumpkin seeds can be kept there for up to three months.
Make sure to keep the seeds in an area out of direct sunlight in an airtight container that can be quickly sealed. To extend the life of your pumpkin seeds, it is suggested that you use a dark-colored container rather than a clear or glass one.
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What Happens If You Consume Expired Pumpkin Seeds?
Unsaturated fatty acids are among the several nutrients found in pumpkin seeds. Although this makes them exceptional for their health advantages, it also causes them to quickly get rancid.
Those who enjoy pumpkin seeds could be tempted to eat pumpkin seeds that don’t seem appetizing, but this is never a good idea. You run the danger of being exposed to free radicals if you eat poor pumpkin seeds. Toxic free radicals can raise your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, or a number of other chronic conditions.
FAQs On Do Pumpkin Seeds Expire
1. Can you freeze pumpkin seeds?
Yes, Pumpkin seeds can be frozen. Simply wash them to get the pulp out, then let them dry fully before putting them in an airtight container to freeze.
2. What happens if you eat expired pumpkin seeds?
Consuming pumpkin seeds after they have exceeded their best-buy date can make you sick.
3. How can you store pumpkin seeds?
You must first dry raw pumpkin seeds in the oven or a dehydrator before storing them. To do this, spread the cleaned seeds out on a baking sheet and bake them at 250°F for an hour, or until they are crisp. Allow them to totally cool. After that, put the dry pumpkin seeds into a storage bag or container that is airtight.
Summary
You may use pumpkin seeds as a versatile treat in baking, as part of your trail mix, or as a wholesome go-to snack in between meals. Given that we now know that pumpkin seeds rot, we can make sure to store them properly to keep them fresh and always ready to eat. These lovely seeds have outstanding health benefits. If you are willing to make some pumpkin pie you can see our article on How Long Does Pumpkin Pie Last to know about its shelf life in advance.