Do you recall the childhood folktale about what happens if
you eat a watermelon seed? We're happy to inform you that, when prepared
properly, watermelon seeds are not only absolutely safe to consume in moderation
but also delicious, so you won't have to worry about them sprouting inside your
stomach once you swallow some.
The majority of whole watermelon seeds are made of insoluble
fiber, which has evolved to allow them to pass through the digestive system
undamaged. On the other hand, your body will absorb their nutritional value if
they are cooked or sprouted.
Types of Watermelon Seeds
The two varieties of watermelon seeds differ in appearance,
texture, and nutritional value.
- White Watermelon Seeds
- Black Watermelon Seeds
White Watermelon Seeds
The immature form of black watermelon seeds, white
watermelon seeds are milder, softer, and much easier to eat.
In a similar vein, white watermelon seeds are far more
malleable and can be worked with in the kitchen by grinding them into flours,
for example. If you sow the whitish seeds, they will not germinate since they
are immature.
Black Watermelon Seeds
The small, fertilized black seeds that you see within a mature watermelon are the seeds of that fruit. If the right circumstances are met, they have the potential to sprout. If you're looking for watermelon seeds with potential benefits or nutritional worth, you should eat the completely formed black seeds.
Watermelon Seed Benefits
While consuming a little amount of watermelon seeds daily won't drastically improve your health, they can contribute to a balanced diet by giving you certain important macro and micronutrients. Each ounce of watermelon seeds has 4 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, and both mono- and polyunsaturated fats—the beneficial fats that reduce LDL cholesterol and are healthy for your heart. Magnesium, potassium, iron, folate, and zinc are also present.
Before eating the seeds, it is suggested that toasting them
to maximize their nutritional value.
Although it's uncommon, avoid eating watermelon seeds if you
have a watermelon allergy. See your dietitian, allergist, or other reliable
healthcare provider if you are concerned that you may be allergic to watermelon
or its seeds.
The Best Ways to Eat Watermelon Seeds
Because of their sweet, nutty flavor and delightfully
crunchy texture, watermelon seeds are a terrific addition to any pantry. You
may also find many inventive and delicious ways to utilize them in your
cooking. Instead of storing the seeds from a watermelon you consume, It is
advised to buying watermelon seeds that have already been thoroughly cleaned
and dried. Their shelf life is significantly increased by the washing and
drying procedure.
How To Keep Your Own Watermelon Seeds Fresh?
Soaking your own seeds in a dish of water to get rid of any
leftover watermelon flesh if you wish to preserve them
After rinsing the seeds in a strainer and arranging them in
a single layer on a towel to dry entirely, make sure to dispose of any uneven
or discolored seeds. To ensure that all of the water content is gone, you can
then roast the seeds at a low temperature in an oven or dehydrator.
Alternatively, you might freeze them for later use.
How to Roast Watermelon Seeds?
Similar to other seeds, such as those from butternut squash
and pumpkin, watermelon seeds can be roasted and used as a garnish for a
variety of foods, including salads, spaghetti, smoothie bowls, cereal, and
yogurt. Roasting them with sugar and cinnamon for a delicious topping.
- Turn the oven on to 325°F.
- After rinsing, dry the watermelon seeds.
- Pour in some oil.
- Toss on the baking sheet with oil. (Optional: after frying
the seeds, sprinkle with your preferred spice and stir to coat.)
- For 15 to 20 minutes, roast. (Note: Mature seeds should be
roasted for a little longer than immature ones.)
9 Ways to Use Roasted Watermelon Seeds
These are some suggestions for savoring roasted watermelon
seeds.
1. Try adding toasted watermelon seeds to a summertime soup or salad:
For added crunch, sprinkle over cold soups (watermelon
gazpacho is a great choice) or mix into a salad. To improve the flavor profile,
Adding spices at the end of the procedure, such as chili-lime seasoning.
2. Replace them with any other seed:
You may add watermelon seeds to anything you would use these
seeds in if you prefer hemp, chia, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds.
3. Make a powder out of dry, immature, light-colored watermelon seeds:
This can be used as a binder for falafel or vegetable
burgers.
4. Prepare a condiment akin to gomasio:
As with sesame seed gomasio, toast the seeds in a skillet
and crush them for use as a nutty topping. It can also be added to your
substitute flour mixture.
5. Make a savory topping:
For a rich topping for bowls of dahl, a famous Indian
cuisine, or kitchari, an Ayurvedic bean and rice dish, both forms of watermelon
seeds can be toasted in ghee or oil with whole spices.
6. Add to herbal tea:
You can also crush dry, immature watermelon seeds in a
mortar and pestle and add them to your favorite herbal tea blend.
7. Sprout them:
All you have to do is put ripe black watermelon seeds in a
dish of water and let them sit there for a few days. Add them to oatmeal or a
smoothie bowl once they sprout to add even more crunch.
8. Enhance the texture of your smoothies using immature watermelon seeds:
These seeds can thicken and broaden a smoothie. Watermelon seeds can be made into candies by toasting them in a pan with a few teaspoons of maple syrup. Once cold, try them in chocolate barks, blended into your next batch of granola, or as a topping for your favorite sweet breakfast, such as pancakes, oats, or waffles.
Conclusion
Transforming watermelon seeds into candies through toasting
with maple syrup offers a delightful way to repurpose a typically discarded
part of the fruit. These candied seeds can be enjoyed in various culinary
creations, adding both flavor and texture to dishes like chocolate barks, and granola, and breakfast favorites such as pancakes, oats, or waffles.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutrionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
