Squash emptied without waste: seeds easily removed

Simple steps to remove pumpkin seeds without wasting anything 🥄

1. Prepare your surface : Place a clean cloth and your equipment (sharp knife, sturdy spoon, bowl). Take a butternut squash , pumpkin or other seasonal squash. 🧑‍🌾
2. Cut the squash safely : Cut it in half lengthwise (watch your fingers!). If the skin is tough, lay the squash on its flat side for more stability.
3. Scrape gently : With a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, scrape the center to loosen the seeds and filaments. Proceed delicately so as not to waste the orange flesh: it's edible! 🍲
4. Collect the seeds : Place the seeds in a bowl. Don't hesitate to remove as much of the stringy flesh as possible, but keep everything that is edible.
5. Clean the seeds : Run them under cold water, rub between your fingers to separate the seeds and filaments. Drain well on a clean cloth.
6. Reuse everything!: Seeds can be roasted or sown. The stringy filaments enrich your soups or compost. Zero waste! ♻️

By following these steps, you'll have a squash that's ready to cook and seeds to use—perfect for fall or all year round! 🧡

Anti-waste tips with squash 🍃

• Don't throw anything away! Even the filaments can flavor a broth or soup.
• The skin of some squashes is edible : the pumpkin, for example, can be eaten without peeling after cooking! Try it, it's delicious.
• Compost what you can't eat : nature will reward you. 🌱
• For an ultra-tender squash, try steaming it after removing the seeds and filaments.

Want to try different varieties? Check out butternut squash for its sweetness, or Lorraine pumpkin for its vibrant color. 🧡

What to do with the seeds after removing them? 🌻

• Grill them for a healthy appetizer : Rinse well, dry, then toss with a little olive oil, salt, paprika, or herbs. Bake them in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes. Delicious and rich in protein! 🥯
• Sowing them in the garden : Sow them in spring to grow your own squash (make sure they haven't been heated).
• Incorporate them into cooking : Add them to a salad, or blend them to thicken a soup.
• Give them a second life : Pro tip: consult this guide to properly dry seeds and make storage easier.

Little bonus: kids love participating in the seed operation! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Quick tips and clever tools for removing pumpkin seeds 🛠️

• Use an ice cream scoop : its rounded shape fits perfectly inside the squash.
• For large squash, try the melon baller : it's fun and effective! 🍈
• If you want to save time, cut the squash into quarters; this gives direct access to the seed areas.
• Remember to keep the squash cool if you are not cooking the removed flesh immediately.

Also check out our air fryer guide to cooking squash unattended! 🔥

FAQ about squash and seeds ❓