How to Process Grape Seeds

Grapes have long been valued for their sweet taste, wine-making possibilities and their portability. Recent studies are beginning to lend credence to the popular belief that wine, and grapes themselves, hold healing qualities. Egyptians and Greeks believed that grapes could heal, and scientists today are finding that those ancients were onto something. Grape seeds in particular are believed to be strong antioxidants. To dry and use your own grape seeds, start with whole grapes and move forward.

Containers with lids
Coffee filters
Spoon
Strainer
Water
Grapes

Instructions

- 1
  Crush whole grapes on a flat surface, using the back of the spoon. Separate the seeds from the pulp and skin on the grapes, and scoop them into a strainer. Run water through the strainer to clean off as much pulp as possible.
- 2
  Pour the seeds into a container, fill the container with water and put the lid on loosely. Place the container in a spot that doesn't get direct sunlight and leave it for 2 to 3 days.
- 3
  Pour the water out of the container. That water will contain excess fruit pulp, skin and leftover leaves. It may also contain seeds that were not viable and floated to the top. Add new water, stir and pour out again. Repeat with one more rinse.
- 4
  Pour the seeds out on a coffee filter and set them in a place that gets full sun, but is protected from wind and birds. Leave them until they're dry; this process can take up to one week.
- 5
  Crush dried grape seeds on a hard, level surface, using the back of a spoon or other hard tool such as a clean hammer. This grape seed "extract" can be added to yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, etc.

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