Do Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent addition to your favorite recipes. Aside from providing a tasty crunch, they're loaded with health benefits that will keep you energized and feeling your best. In fact, just one serving of our Organic Pumpkin Seeds provides 9 grams of protein.

That said, a little goes a long way when cooking with pumpkin seeds. Just three tablespoons of pumpkin seeds are enough to add flavor and nutrients to your family meals. Because a small amount of pumpkin seeds are needed to make an impact, going through an entire bag may take a while. And, at some point, you may wonder if your pumpkin seeds have gone bad.

If you've noticed that the best-by date is approaching on the bag of pumpkin seeds in your pantry, don't panic. In this article, we'll teach you how to tell if your pumpkin seeds have spoiled and how to store your seeds to ensure that they remain fresh for long periods. Read along to learn more about pumpkin seed's shelf life, storage methods and signs of spoilage.

How to Keep Pumpkin Seeds Fresh

While the shelf life of our Organic Pumpkin Seeds is 2 years, there are a few methods that you can follow to keep your pumpkin seeds tasting as fresh as the day you bought them. Though certain factors—like if your pumpkin seeds remain in or out of the shell—will affect their shelf life, storing them significantly affects how long they last. Here are a few of the best methods to store pumpkin seeds.

Store Them in the Pantry

If pumpkin seeds are unopened, they can easily be stored in the kitchen pantry. When storing any seed in the pantry, you'll want to find a cool and dry spot. Any area that comes in contact with sunlight or a heat source is off-limits.

Store Them in the Refrigerator

Once your package of pumpkin seeds is opened, storing them in the pantry is no longer an option. This is because opened pumpkin seeds spoil much more quickly than unopened ones. To store an open bag of pumpkin seeds, place the seeds into a freezer bag, and keep them in the refrigerator. If you plan to open the package several times a week, then it's better to transfer some of the seeds to a small container. Sectioning off this small amount of seeds will allow you to grab them regularly without exposing the entire bag to fresh air each time you open it. 

Store Them in the Freezer

The freezer is the best option for storing pumpkin seeds. And just as you would prepare the seeds for refrigeration, you'll also want to prepare them for freezing. To freeze seeds, place them into a tightly sealed container before putting them into the freezer. Then label them with a best-by date, and use them as needed.

How Long Do Pumpkin Seeds Last Before Going Bad?

Generally, unopened seeds that are stored correctly are safe to eat until the best by date printed on the bag. However, once they're opened, the seeds may spoil if not kept in an airtight container.

To ensure that your seeds remain fresh for as long as possible, pay close attention to the temperature you store them at. Additionally, refrain from opening the container too often. The better the seeds remain sealed, the longer they will stay fresh.

How to Tell if Pumpkin Seeds Have Gone Bad

If, after reading the tips and tricks above, you're worried that you did not store the pumpkin seeds in your pantry correctly, then you'll want to check them for freshness. First, check to see if your pumpkin seeds have gone bad by looking for typical signs of rotten food. Mold, visual changes, or an unpleasant odor are all signs that your seeds are spoiled, and you'll need to throw them out.

If, after checking, your seeds still look and smell fresh, then they are likely safe to eat. Just be sure to check the best by date on the packaging before adding them to your meals.

Pumpkin Seeds: Commonly Asked Questions

Still have a few questions about pumpkin seeds that you'd like answered? Here are a few common questions our readers ask about pumpkin seeds.

How Often Should You Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are excellent for you and offer many nutritional benefits. That being said, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Because pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, eating too many at once can lead to digestive upset. Therefore, when adding pumpkin seeds to your diet, we recommend eating them in moderation. Enjoying pumpkin seeds two to three times a week is a great way to obtain their many benefits without going overboard.

Where Do Pumpkin Seeds Come From?

Pumpkin seeds are harvested from the pumpkin fruit. They are typically grown in North America, South America and Central America. To harvest the seeds, they are separated from the flesh of the pumpkins and left to dry. Once dried and shelled, the seeds can be enjoyed raw or roasted and added to several dinner recipes and baked goods.

Can You Eat Raw Pumpkin Seeds?

Yes! Pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed raw. When de-shelled, the inside of the pumpkin seed is known as a pepita. It's typically eaten raw and enjoyed on salads, added to granola and in pesto sauce. Additionally, pumpkin seeds can be roasted, sprouted, blended and turned into a nut butter spread.

What Is the Nutritional Makeup of Pumpkin Seeds?

Here's a complete overview of the nutritional factors for our Bob's Red Mill Organic Pumpkin Seeds.

Bob's Red Mill Organic Pumpkin Seeds

Serving Size 3 Tbsp

Calories 150

Total Fat 11g

Saturated Fat 2.5g

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 0mg

Total Carbohydrate 3g

Dietary Fiber 2g

Total Sugars 0g

Protein 9 g

Vitamin D 0mcg

Calcium 7mg

Iron 3mg

Potassium 204mg

Magnesium 140mg

How to Use Pumpkin Seeds

If you've ever saved the seeds during pumpkin carving and snacked on them later, you know how great they taste. But while pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed by the handful, it's not the only way that you can enjoy this treat. Continue reading for a list of our favorite ways to use pumpkin seeds in your recipes.

Use Pumpkin Seeds as a Salad Topping

Looking to add a bit of extra crunch to your favorite salad? Add pumpkin seeds to the ingredient list. Full of nutritional benefits, pumpkin seeds will boost your dish's health benefits while increasing its overall flavor and texture. Here's a tasty salad we enjoy pairing pepitas with: Fresh Cherry and Pepita Golden Couscous Salad.

Add Pumpkin Seeds to a Smoothie

Attain all the fantastic health benefits of pumpkin seeds quickly, and add a tablespoon or two to your next smoothie recipe. Because pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed raw, no preparation is required for this smoothie ingredient. Plus, their nutty flavor pairs well with anything. Highlight the great taste of pumpkin seeds by adding them to this Pumpkin Spice Smoothie. We're confident that you will love the result.

Stir Pumpkin Seeds into Bread

Spice things up in the kitchen, and replace any seeds or nuts in a bread recipe with pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds' mild flavor makes them easy to pair with sweet and savory bread recipes while adding a crunchy bite to the loaf. We love adding pumpkin seeds to this Muesli Loaf when we're craving a delicious and dairy free treat.

Use Pumpkin Seeds to Make Granola

Homemade granola is an excellent and healthy snack to have on hand when you're craving something sweet. The perfect treat to enjoy between meals, load your favorite granola up with healthy fats and fiber by adding some pumpkin seeds to it instead of, or alongside, nuts.

Use the guide above to ensure that the pumpkin seeds in your household remain fresh until you've had a chance to use them all. And, if you're looking for recipe inspiration, try out one of the recipes above to begin working pumpkin seeds into your weekly diet. We can't wait to see what you come up with. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, have a healthy and happy day!

Do you eat pumpkin seeds regularly? We'd love to hear more about how you work this superfood into your meals. Share your favorite pumpkin seed recipes with us in the comments below.