How to Extract Berry Seeds

Watch as M.E.W., from the YMCA's Camp Colman, teaches you how to extract seeds from berries and other fruit with small seeds. By following this process you’ll be ready to grow your own berries in no time! 

This is a great activity with your kids if you have spoiled berries or if you just want to start your own berry patch! 

Materials: 

• Berries (if spoiled, try to remove all the berries with visible spoiling) 

• Blender 

• Water and nearby sink 

• Paper towel 

• Small pot or garden space 

• Adult supervision 
   

Directions: 

1. Fill your blender with water and place berries into the blender. There should be more water in the blender than berries, this is important for the next steps. 
    
2. Blend your berry water mixture for about 10 seconds or until full berries are no longer visible. Take the blender off its stand and move to the sink. 
    
3. Pour all of the excess fluid into the sink. Floating in the water are the berry pieces and non-viable seeds, if you lose a few down the drain, it’s okay since they would not have sprouted. Pour out the liquid until there is just a small amount of liquid in the blender. All of the viable seeds will be sitting at the bottom of your blender. 
    
4. Now add water to the remaining mixture in the bottom of your blender. Fill the blender about halfway, then let the seeds settle for about 3 seconds. Pour out the liquid and leave a small amount in the bottom just as before. 
    
5. Repeat this washing process until there are minimal amounts of remaining berry parts and the water runs clear. Once this is all done, the berry seeds are clean and ready to be taken out of the blender. 
    
6. Pour the seeds onto a paper towel. You can use a spoon to get the seeds stuck at the bottom, it's okay if you don't get them all. You should have more than enough seeds on your paper towel to start your seeds. 
    
7. Place the paper towel with the seeds somewhere to dry, like outside on a porch. This drying process will prevent mold from growing on the seeds.
    
8. Now, after the seeds have dried, either sow directly into the soil or place the paper towel with the seeds onto the soil. If you are using the paper towel method, make sure that the seeds have direct contact with the sun, and are not covered by the paper towel.