Large-scale seed extraction from fleshy fruits

Debunching holly berries by handAll berries can be 'pulped' to remove the seed from the skin and flesh. At the same time non-viable seed can also be removed.

The method

The berries are 'de-bunched' and placed about 1/3 full in a bucket and crushed to a pulp using a tool with a flat bottom. If the fruits are not soft enough, they can be left for a while to ripen further or soaked in cold water for a few days, changing the soaking water each day. Once reduced to a pulp it is a simple matter of separating the viable seed from the skin and flesh of the fruit and the empty seeds by sieving. Mashing berries using a wooden pole

A jet of water is directed onto the pulp until the bucket is almost full. The first few times you do this may produce a lot of scum. This is reduced by pouring all the contents of the bucket (water and seeds) through a sieve two or three times until it clears.

Once clear, more water is added. Make sure everything is thoroughly mixed. The heavy, viable seeds sink quickly and the waste can be carefully poured off with the water through a sieve, leaving the viable seed in the bottom of the bucket. This can be repeated as many times as necessary to remove as much waste as possible. It is not necessary, or practical, to aim for completely clean seed.

Adding water to the bucket Floating the empty seeds to seperate them

Pouring off waste from the bucket The finished extracted seed