Knowledgebase
Are sprouting pumpkin seeds safe to eat #889009
Asked October 29, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT
I cut open a pumpkin in order to remove the seeds and roast them. Some of the seeds had already begun to sprout. Are the sprouting seeds safe to eat? Are the rest of the seeds safe to eat?
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hey Mara,
Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension with your question.
Sprouted pumpkin seeds are generally safe to eat, and some consider them to be a super food, as they contain a lot of nutrition. Sometimes seeds can sprout inside fruits, tomatoes are notorious for this. It is called vivipary when this happens and it can be caused by genetic factors, environmental stressors (like temperature and water) and sometimes in over ripe fruit. The sprouted seeds would most likely not roast well though. Your other seeds would all be safe to roast and eat still.
As with any produce, the safety of the sprouted seeds would depend on the proper handling, processing and sanitation of your pumpkin seeds. If you made sure to wash the pumpkin thoroughly before carving, and used clean tools and hands, then the seeds should be safe to eat. If your pumpkin had any cracks or damage to it, then it wouldn't be safe to eat any of it due to the risks of Salmonella or E.coli.Â
Here is more information about about preventing E.coli from the garden to the plate:
I hope this helps!
Dawn