The Best Roasted Pumpkin Seeds in the World

I've been roasting pumpkin seeds most of my life.  Beginning as a child with the help of my parents followed-on by several decades of jack-o'-lantern carving.   And finally by means of serious pumpkin growing specifically for seeds.  I've grown pumpkins for carving, roasting on the grill or making pie filling. You can get a can of pie filling just about anywhere.  But where can you get a good roasted pumpkin seed?   

If you're a fan of roasted pumpkin seeds you absolutely need to check this out.  Not only are these pumpkins terrific for fall décor they are prolific seed producers.  Furthermore, their seeds lack the tough outer hulls of other more pedestrian pumpkins making them perfect for roasting.  On top of that they're a bush-variety and don't take-up large amounts of space in the garden.

Behold the Kakai pumpkin.

click on image to enlarge 

A fetching bright orange pumpkin accented by dark green digital camouflage.  A non-GMO, organically-raised gourd of about 3 to 8 pounds.

And chock-full of hull-less green seeds - pure kernel - without the tough shell.  All you have to do is open them up, insert your hand into the pulp and all of those seeds will slip right out.  And plenty of them too.  

Pour your seeds into a stock pot and add enough cold water so that they float freely.  Add to that as much kosher salt as you can stand (about a half cup - give or take).  Bring your pot to a boil and then turn-down the heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes.

Drain your seeds in a colander.   

Spread them out on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees - stirring every 15 minutes with a spatula for 60 to 90 minutes as ovens vary.  When they start to snap, crackle and pop your seeds are talking to you.  Pay close attention to them.  They're almost done.   

Finished product!   

A light, nutty, salty, snack that is full of vitamins, minerals and healthy antioxidants.  They’re good for your prostate fellas.   Trust me on that.    

I like these with straight kosher salt.   Experiment with Worcestershire or other spices if you care to.  Serve with an icy-cold brewski during the Packer game and at deer camp.  

This was a tough year for the pumpkin patch with cold and wet growing conditions.  I finally got one single vine to sprout after four attempts planting three mounds.  My total harvest was two pumpkins,  These seeds are worth their weight in gold...