Hello all...

I've been learning much about this southwestern quasi-carnivorous plant lately. The pods have been used in basketry for their strong black fibers by several native groups, and the seeds are edible. My neighbor recently raked up many hundreds of these pods so that they wouldn't get stuck in the fur of her heirloom sheep. Knowing my interest in native plants, she wisely gave them to me.

I see these for sale here and there in Arizona, mostly for use in kitschy crafts, but I'm very interested in eating the seeds and finding recipes for their inclusion. Does anyone know the best (fastest) way to get the seeds out of the pods? I know that native Americans soaked the pods to make the fibers pliable, and am wondering if this is a good strategy to loosen the casing surrounding the seeds. I don't want to sprout them however, so I'm thinking there must be an efficient mechanical method instead. Thoughts? Experiences?

Thanks in advance. Jeau