Is It Safe to Eat Watermelon Seeds?

You are not alone who asking: ‘Is it safe to eat raw watermelon seeds?‘ Let’s find out the answer. Watermelon is the ideal summertime treat, but stopping to spit out the seeds can dampen interest for the fruit. Skittish adults may get anxious about choking on the seeds; kids fear that a rogue seed will cause a watermelon to grow in their stomachs. But professionals state you should have no worry – watermelon seeds are not only completely safe, but they also might in fact benefit you.

Eating Watermelon Seeds: Safe of Dangerous?

Like chia and flax seeds, watermelon seeds consist of nutrients such as vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which studies have actually linked with different health advantages. They are likewise an excellent source of healthy fats and protein. A one-ounce serving has 10 grams of protein– more than a similar serving of almonds and as much as an egg or a serving of Greek yogurt, inning accordance with the Huffington Post.

If you’ve ever daringly chewed on a seed while chomping on the fruit, you understand they taste absolutely nothing like watermelon. Watermelon seeds are most just like sunflower seeds in flavor, however a little less nutty and thick.

Why You Should Sprout Your Watermelon Seeds

There’s a catch, however: To get the full dose of protein, you have to eat the seeds when they’re sprouted, and after you’ve eliminated that tough black shell. And that procedure takes at least a couple of days.

First the seeds need to soak in water overnight, then you have to wait on a couple of days up until they’re visibly grown. At that point, they’re ready to obtain dried in the oven, dehydrator, or sun. And after that, you can eat them as a healthy snack.

Other Ways to Eat Watermelon Seeds

1. Watermelon Seed Oil: There are other methods to consume watermelon seeds to get their nutritional advantages. In West Africa, individuals make watermelon seeds into oil. Also known as ootanga oil or kalahari oil, you can prepare with it, drizzle it on salads, or perhaps use it topically on the skin.
2. Roasted Watermelon Seeds: You can likewise roast them– after spreading out the seeds on a flat pan, they require about 15 minutes in the oven at 325°F to make them brown and crispy. You lose a few of the nutritional content that way, however they’re still a yummy snack– particularly when enhanced with a little olive oil and sea salt.
3. Raw Watermelon Seeds: Of course, you might just opt for the classic method of eating them– i.e., in addition to the watermelon flesh. That’s definitely the easiest way to consume them, and although they might not be as yummy as if you sprouted or roasted them, it saves you the difficulty of needing to spit them out while you’re eating watermelon.