How Long Do Pumpkin Seeds Last? Do They Go Bad?

Pumpkin seeds are versatile and eaten in various forms.

Some people prefer them as a snack, whereas some add them to their cereals.

As these are repeatedly used thus, people buy them in large quantities.

However, once the pack is opened and stored, they feel that the seeds do not offer a similar taste like before.

So they get curious about how long these can be kept or do pumpkin seeds go bad.

Pumpkin seeds are most likely to get contaminated in no time; therefore, they undoubtedly go bad.

Thus if you are using old stored seeds, you should check whether these are still edible.

What are Pumpkin Seeds?

These are the seeds found in pumpkin fruit which are edible.

The seeds are oval in shape; their outer covering is white in color, and from the inside, they are greenish.

Another name for pumpkin seeds is ‘Pepitas,’ which is common in America.

These are sweet and nutty in flavor and also contain high nutritional values.

They contain nutrients such as proteins, fiber, calories, fats, and many others, providing various health benefits.

The seeds include vitamin E and carotenoids which act as antioxidants.

One can improve their heart health by having pumpkin seeds as they have magnesium that lowers bad cholesterol.

If anyone adds it to their daily diet, then they can prevent the risk of cardio issues.

Moderate consumption of pumpkin seeds can help to prevent breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer.

They can also prevent prostate cancer as they include carotenoids.

How Long Do Pumpkin Seeds Last? Do Pumpkin Seeds Go Bad?

When anyone buys seeds, then these generally do not come with a best-by date.

So it is possible that your seeds will also not have any labeled date.

Then it becomes hard for anyone to figure out how long the seeds will serve them.

The shelf life of these seeds will depend on their variation and storage.

So if you have shelled pumpkin seeds, these can be stored for five months.

If you want to increase their shelf life, then you can keep them in the refrigerator, which will last for 12 months.

If anyone is sure they will not use them for a period, the freezer can keep them intact for 18 months.

In case you have bought deshelled seeds, then in the pantry, one can preserve them for three months.

When you store them in the fridge, the shelf life exceeds nine months.

By putting unshelled seeds in the freezer, one can preserve them for up to 1 year.

It is not necessary that all the seeds will serve you for the above-mentioned periods, as storage conditions also make a difference.

If the storage is not appropriate, the seeds can go bad before they cross their shelf life.

How to Tell if Pumpkin Seeds Have Gone Bad?

• Unusual and Off Smell

Pumpkin seeds have a tangy smell, but when their storage period is increased, they can become stinky.

At the time of storage, they are surrounded by other products which have a strong smell.

Over time they absorb their scent, and their authentic aroma fades away.

So if your seeds offer an unpleasant and off smell, you should discard them.

• Alteration in Color

If you have found old stored seeds, then you can check color alteration.

As you exceed the storage period, then the color of the seeds will get altered.

This happens when they get exposed to humidity, heat, or sunlight.

Therefore if there is any color alteration after prolonged storage, then you should avoid their consumption.

• Change in Texture

Another way to find bad pumpkin seeds is their texture.

At first, the texture of the seeds will be firm and dry, but after storage, it can develop changes.

That is because, in that period, it gets along with moisture and air.

This will make the seeds slimy and grassy, indicating they have gone bad.

Sometimes they can also get spotted because of mold growth, which is also a case of rancidity.

Thus one should throw their seeds out if they are oily, hairy, grainy, or grassy.

How to Store Pumpkin Seeds?

• Freezing

When you are looking for the best storage technique, then freezing can help.

If you are not going to use all the seeds, then storing the rest of them in the freezer can increase their storage.

Otherwise, they will lose their potency, and all of them will go bad.

Freezing will safeguard them from rancidity and retain their quality even after prolonged storage.

• Storage in Fridge

People who frequently add these seeds to their diet should store them in the fridge.

Refrigeration is a great option as they might get affected by heat and light.

When you are storing it in the refrigerator, then you should add a Ziploc bag to avoid moisture.

One can also try an airtight container if a vacuum Ziploc bag is not available.

• Avoid Storing Around Strong Smell

Another measure is that you can avoid their storage around food items with a strong smell.

That will help the seeds develop a bad smell and not develop a foul odor.

No matter if you are storing them in a pantry or fridge, seal-tight containers are essential.

Sealed containers will also prevent the seed from developing a rancid odor.

Conclusion

Using old-kept seeds directly in the recipe can make your recipe bad.

Therefore you should look for the bad signs before you have these seeds.

If anyone does not check and has bad pumpkin seeds, then they can lead to food poisoning.

Once they go bad, they develop bacteria in them that can be harmful and can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.