What To Do With Squash Seeds

What to do with squash seeds is simple: you can roast, plant, or compost them depending on what you want from them.
 
Squash seeds are one of those things most people scrape into the trash without a second thought.
 
But once you know what to do with squash seeds, you’ll never look at that stringy pile of pulp the same way again.
 
Whether they’re from butternut, acorn, pumpkin, or spaghetti squash, those little seeds are edible, plantable, and surprisingly useful.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things to do with squash seeds so you can get more value out of every squash you cut open.
 

What to Do with Squash Seeds: The Best Options

So what can you actually do with squash seeds?
 
Here are the main options, and each one is easier than you’d think.
 

1. Roast Them for a Crunchy Snack

Roasting is probably the most popular answer to what to do with squash seeds.
 
You can roast squash seeds much the same way you’d roast pumpkin seeds, and they turn out nutty, crunchy, and completely addictive.
 
Start by separating the seeds from the pulp under running water.
 
Pat them dry, toss them with a little olive oil and salt, and spread them on a baking sheet.
 
Bake at 300°F for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’re golden.
 
You can also play with flavors here.
 
Try cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version, or smoked paprika and garlic powder for something savory.
 
Once you know how to roast squash seeds, you’ll find yourself buying extra squash just for the seeds.
 

2. Save Them for Planting

What to do with squash seeds if you’d rather grow your own food?
 
Save the healthiest-looking seeds and plant them next season.
 
Rinse the seeds clean and let them dry completely on a paper towel for a week or two.
 
Store them in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope or glass jar.
 
When spring comes, you can plant squash seeds directly in the garden once the soil warms up.
 
Keep in mind that seeds from hybrid squash may not grow true to the parent plant, so results can vary.
 
But heirloom varieties usually give you seeds that grow into the same squash you loved.
 
This is one of the most rewarding things to do with squash seeds because you get a whole new harvest for free.
 

3. Compost Them or Feed Them to Wildlife

If planting or roasting isn’t your thing, you can still put squash seeds to work in the garden.
 
Composting squash seeds is a fine option as long as your compost pile gets hot enough to break them down.
 
Otherwise, they may sprout right in your compost bin, which honestly isn’t the worst problem to have.
 
You can also set squash seeds out for birds and squirrels, especially in winter when food is scarce.
 
Just avoid tossing them if they’ve been salted or seasoned, since that isn’t good for wildlife.
 

4. Make a Simple Seed Butter or Garnish

Here’s a lesser-known answer to what to do with squash seeds.
 
You can toast them and grind them into a rustic seed butter, similar to tahini or sunflower butter.
 
It takes some patience in a food processor, but the result is rich and nutty.
 
You can also crush roasted squash seeds and use them as a garnish on salads, soups, or roasted veggies.
 
They add a lovely crunch and a bit of extra protein to any dish.
 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Squash Seeds

Before you decide what to do with squash seeds, a few quick tips will help.
 
Always rinse them well to remove all the pulp, since leftover strings can burn during roasting.
 
Dry them thoroughly if you plan to store or plant them, because moisture leads to mold.
 
And don’t bother with the seeds from a squash that’s already gone bad, since they won’t be worth using.
 
Fresh, clean seeds from a healthy squash are always your best bet.
 

So, What to Do with Squash Seeds?

What to do with squash seeds really comes down to three great choices: roast them, plant them, or compost them.
 
Roasting gives you a healthy snack, planting gives you a future harvest, and composting gives back to your soil.
 
No matter which route you pick, you’re getting more out of your squash than you would by tossing the seeds away.
 
Next time you scoop out a squash, take a second before you reach for the trash.
 
Now you know exactly what to do with squash seeds, and your kitchen, garden, or snack shelf will thank you.