Why You Need To Allow Pumpkin Seeds To Rest After Roasting

Roasted pumpkin seeds are one of the greatest byproducts of carving or preparing pumpkins for a meal. These tiny seeds, when roasted just right, offer a delectable crunch that's both satisfying and packed with nutrients. There are plenty of delicious ways to cook with pumpkin seeds. Not to mention, the seeds can be seasoned to be either sweet or savory. However, achieving the perfect crispiness is often where the challenge lies.

The thing many first-time pumpkin seed roasters miss is that the seeds will be chewy straight out of the oven. Before you think you've made a mistake when roasting, let's dive into the secret behind perfectly roasted, crispy pumpkin seeds: resting the seeds.

Pumpkin seeds contain moisture. Roasting helps to evaporate this moisture, but directly post-roast, some residual steam remains trapped within the seed. This causes it to be chewy. As the seeds cool and the residual moisture dissipates into the air, the seeds dry out further, leading them to achieve that desired crispy texture.

Just as cookies set on a cooling rack or meat becomes juicier when rested, pumpkin seeds too undergo a change. Resting allows the heat to evenly distribute and lets the moisture slowly escape. Most importantly, by resting, you avoid the risk of over-roasting, which can make seeds bitter or burnt. The resting step ensures the chewiness you experience is genuinely due to moisture and not under-cooking.

To ensure you roast your pumpkin seeds to perfection, you need to follow the steps of your favorite recipe. Keep in mind that roasting the seeds at a low temperature for a longer time will yield the best results. Once the timer goes off according to your recipe, take the seeds out and let them cool for about 10 minutes or until completely cool. Try eating one. If it's chewy, it's a sign they need a tad more time in the oven. 

Roast for an additional five to 10 minutes, but keep a keen eye on them; we're aiming for crispy, not charred. When the pumpkin seeds turn a beautiful golden brown, you know they are ready. Allow them time to rest again, waiting a few minutes longer if necessary. Once you've achieved the perfect crispiness, ensure you store your seeds in an airtight container. This keeps moisture at bay and preserves that delightful crunch.

By understanding the natural characteristics of these seeds and mastering the art of resting, you can ensure a crispy, flavorful batch every time. So next time, remember the simple trick that can make all the difference.