Here's a step-by-step guide on how we dry seeds
Materials needed:
- Seeds
- Paper towel
- Plate or tray
Procedure:
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Harvest mature seeds: Collect seeds from mature and healthy plants. Allow the seeds to fully develop on the plant before harvesting.
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Clean the seeds: Remove any excess pulp, flesh, or other debris from the seeds. You can rinse them under running water or gently rub them with a cloth or paper towel.
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Spread seeds on a paper towel: Place the cleaned seeds on a dry paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for better air circulation during the drying process.
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Separate seeds if necessary: If the seeds are clumped together, ensure that they are evenly spread out to prevent them from sticking together during drying.
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Leave seeds to air dry: Allow the seeds to air dry on the paper towel for several days. Choose a location with good air circulation and moderate temperature. Avoid humid or damp areas.
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Check for dryness: Periodically check the seeds to see if they are completely dry. They should feel hard and not have any residual moisture. Depending on the type of seeds and environmental conditions, drying may take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
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Store dried seeds: Once the seeds are thoroughly dry, you can store them in a dry, airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the seed type and date of collection.
We like doing this with watermelon, luffa, tomato, passion fruit pumpkin and anything else with seeds that comes through the kitchen.